Crystal Palace identify Moroccan targets as Pierre Sage seeks quick squad rebuild

Crystal Palace are targeting Morocco midfielder Nayel El Aynaoui and defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal as they look to strengthen before the summer transfer window closes.

The London club have begun work behind the scenes on additions in midfield and at centre-back after a disappointing start to Pierre Sage’s time in charge. Palace lost 2-0 to Everton in their opening Premier League fixture, with the performance raising concerns about the balance and depth of the squad.

The display of Morocco international Chadi Riad was a particular source of concern in defence. Palace are therefore considering further reinforcements at the back, while also seeking another option in midfield before the deadline.

According to French website Foot Mercato, El Aynaoui, who plays for Italian club Roma, and Ait Boudlal, a defender with French side Stade Rennais, have emerged as two of Palace’s leading targets in the final days of the transfer market.

Both players are understood to be open to the possibility of moving to Palace. They are also said to be enthusiastic about taking on a new challenge in the Premier League and becoming part of the club’s project in London.

No figures have been reported for any potential offers Palace could make to Roma or Stade Rennais. The precise nature and progress of negotiations between the clubs and the players’ representatives also remain unclear.

However, Palace are believed to have the financial strength required to complete both deals should talks develop positively.

The club want to move quickly to resolve their transfer plans, with the closing of the window approaching. Adding El Aynaoui and Ait Boudlal would give Sage more alternatives in central midfield and at the heart of his defence.

Palace’s interest comes after a first Premier League match that left the new manager needing a response. The 2-0 defeat by Everton provided an early indication that further work may be required across the squad, particularly in the areas the club are now seeking to reinforce.

El Aynaoui’s potential arrival would address the midfield, while Ait Boudlal would offer another option in central defence. Palace have not yet disclosed the size of any proposed bids, and neither a deal for the Roma midfielder nor one for the Stade Rennais defender has been confirmed.

With the summer market nearing its conclusion, Palace’s immediate priority is to give Sage additional players before the deadline. The club’s pursuit of the Moroccan pair represents its latest attempt to strengthen after the loss at Everton and improve the manager’s options for the remainder of the Premier League campaign.