Crystal Palace are closing in on a move for Derby County youngster Malcolm Ebiowei, according to Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown: Rising star

Previously on the books at Rangers, West Ham and Arsenal, Ebiowei shone in the youth ranks in the East Midlands before becoming a first-team regular.

The 18-year-old winger scored seven times and provided one assist in just eight Under-18 outings for Derby and deservedly broke into Wayne Rooney's plans as a result during the 2021/22 campaign.

Having been pursued by Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham, it now seems as though Patrick Vieira has added yet another exciting young prospect to the Eagles' squad...

The latest: 'Set to sign'

Taking to Twitter, respected transfer market expert Romano has confirmed that Palace have won the race to sign the England and Holland youth international this summer.

He said: “English talent Malcolm Ebiowei won’t join Manchester United. He’s set to sign his contract with Crystal Palace after medicals completed this week, it’s a done deal. Ebiowei will leave Derby County to join Palace - contract will be valid until June 2027.”

The verdict: Another one...

Being able to beat such illustrious domestic competition to the signing makes it all the sweeter for the Selhurst Park hierarchy as the club continues to put its faith in youth under Vieira.

Ebiowei - who was branded a 'superb talent' by Rams journalist Jake Barker following a standout display containing two key passes and nine successful dribbles against Coventry City - joins the likes of Michael Olise, Ebere Eze and Nathan Ferguson as the east Londoners stockpile some of the country's most prodigious young talents.

Tying down the versatile attacker to a five-year deal at Palace is undoubtedly a smart piece of business and it is clear the Eagles have a long-term vision under Vieira, adding yet another homegrown talent to an already exciting stockpile of talent.