Crystal Palace push ahead with Chrislain Matsima deal

Crystal Palace are intensifying their efforts to sign FC Augsburg centre-back Chrislain Matsima, with signs growing that a move to the Premier League is edging closer.

After recent reports first revealed Palace’s interest, Foot Mercato now claims the French defender has reached a verbal agreement with the London club over a transfer.

Talks between Palace and Augsburg have also stepped up in recent days. While no full agreement with the Bundesliga side has been reached yet, negotiations are described as progressing in the right direction, raising expectations that a deal could soon be struck.

Palace are searching for a replacement for Maxence Lacroix, who is widely expected to leave for Chelsea, and Matsima has emerged as the preferred option to strengthen the heart of their defence.

Only a few days ago, the 22-year-old spoke openly about his situation, insisting he was focused on his current club. “For the moment I am in Augsburg and do not want to think too much about the future. I am fully concentrating on the club here,” he told the Augsburger Allgemeine.

If Foot Mercato’s latest report proves accurate, however, a move to England now appears significantly closer than his recent comments suggested.