Crystal Palace target Yann M’Vila is apparently happy in France, according to Yahoo Sports France (via Inside Futbol).
Palace are in the company of West Ham and Fenerbahce for the race for the 29-year-old defensive midfielder, however, the player will not push for any transfer, according to the previous report.
It was previously suggested by L’Equipe (via Sports Witness) that while the club want to keep hold of the player, he will be available for around £9m.
The want for M’Vila might be a reaction to the fact that Luka Milivojevic only has one year left on his current contract (Transfermarkt). The Serbian midfielder – who has linked to AC Milan earlier this year – is a vital part of the Palace squad, as shown by being the club’s top scorer two years in a row with 12 and 10 respectively, as well as a 7.19 average rating from WhoScored.
M’Vila’s passing ability could help Palace retain possession more effectively. He averages 61.8 passes per game at a completion rate of 86.2 per cent, which surpasses Milivojevic in both departments (52.3 and 80 per cent). He also brings good defensive ability and can break up play well, as suggested by recording an average of 2 interceptions per game, 1.9 tackles per game and 2.1 clearances per match (WhoScored).
At the reported fee, Yann M’Vila could be a wise signing for Palace as its clear he can make an impact defensively, but it could lead to overkill within the squad. Palace already have two defensive-oriented central midfielders in Milivojevic and Cheikhou Kouyate; with the addition of M’Vila, it would mean that Palace could be limited to playing only two of them, considering the fact Hodgson largely deployed a 4-4-2 formation last year.
Still, considering the fact that the club haven’t replaced Aaron Wan-Bissaka, leaving only Joel Ward and Martin Kelly as recognised options in that berth, as well as the fact none of their current strikers scored more than one goal last season, perhaps moving to strengthen other areas of the squad would be smarter.
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