Dan Cook claims Lucas could make a difference at Palace

Dan Cook has claimed on the HLTCO podcast that Lucas Moura could make a difference for Crystal Palace amid recent links.

The Lowdown: Palace looking to be active

Despite Patrick Vieira constantly talking about how he wants new signings this month, Palace are yet to make a breakthrough, although that looks set to change with Naouirou Ahamada close to joining the club.

The Eagles are now also said to be without star man Wilfried Zaha for a prolonged period of time due to a hamstring injury he picked up in their draw against Newcastle United two weeks ago.

Given the injury to Zaha, which will be a huge blow to Vieira, it should be no surprise that Palace are said to be keen on reinforcements to plaster over the gap he will leave – and that could well see them make a move for Moura, who only has a few months left on his contract.

The Latest: Lucas Moura tipped for Selhurst Park move

The Brazilian is not going to be offered a new contract according to reports, and that could now see Palace make a move for him despite his age, as Cook has spoken about.

He said: “I’m not necessarily sure that it’s the right thing for us to do. It certainly doesn’t fit with our current transfer strategy, but there is a part of me as well which wonders if we’re a little bit too young and naive, and whether we need a little bit more experience.

“There’s no denying, just because Lucas Moura isn’t necessarily in favour at Spurs under Antonio Conte, I don’t think there’s any doubt that he could come into Crystal Palace and, as long as he remained injury-free, he could make a big difference for us.”

The Verdict: Moura would be a risky signing by Parish

Given the way Crystal Palace have operated in the transfer market since Vieira came to the club, it would be a very left-field move for them to swoop for someone on the wrong side of 30 this month.

Over the last few windows, Palace have brought in youthful players such as Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen, Michael Olise and Malcolm Ebiowei, so for them to turn to someone with the age profile of Moura would be interesting.

However, it could be to bring some experience into their forward line, especially given the fact Zaha will now not be in the side for a number of games to help guide some of the younger players through difficult times – though his reported £150,000-per-week wage demands could well see them turn away from the Brazilian.