Crystal Palace are interested in signing Bayern Munich defender Chris Richards, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Richards profiled

Richards is 22 years of age and is primarily a centre-back but can also play as a full-back if required. A USA international, Richards has been with Bayern since 2020 but has made just ten senior appearances for the German giants.

The pacey 6 foot 2 defender is valued at £6.75m by Transfermarkt and has been hailed as an 'athletic freak' by former USA national team scout Thomas Rongen, and it looks as if Patrick Vieira and co are keen on a possible Palace move.

The Latest: Palace interest

Jacobs took to Twitter on Tuesday evening to provide a transfer update on Richards.

He claimed that Leeds United are considering a move for the defender and also name-checked Palace and Southampton with an interest.

The Verdict: Shrewd move?

Vieira has just four senior centre-backs, two right-backs and one left-back ahead of the new campaign, so bringing in Richards could be a smart call.

He’ll be able to play in any of the areas mentioned above, so would bring plenty of versatility and depth to Selhurst Park, potentially killing multiple birds with one stone.

A move away from Bayern could also appeal to Richards as you’d expect he’d want to be playing regularly, something he may get with the Eagles instead of staying in Germany.