Crystal Palace have joined West Ham in the race to sign Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Kamara profiled

Primarily a defensive midfielder, the Frenchman is into the final four months of his contract at the Ligue 1 club.

Valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, the 22-year-old can also play at centre-back and has made 153 appearances for his current employers.

However, it looks as if he may leave Marseille on a free transfer ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. He has already held talks with Newcastle United and West Ham, with Palace the latest Premier League club to show an interest.

According to reliable journalist Nixon, Palace backer John Textor is ready to splash the cash in the summer to back Patrick Vieira.

It is thought that the Eagles have now entered the race for Kamara’s services, and it doesn’t appear they are put off by the player’s substantial wage demands.

The Verdict: Smart target

Vieira appears to be building for the future at Selhurst Park with a number of exciting additions during his first season as manager, and Kamara could be an ideal signing ahead of the 45-year-old's second year in charge, looking to take the Eagles to the next level.

Kamara already has plenty of Ligue 1 experience and has played in the Champions League and Europa League, being hailed as a 'phenomenon' by former Marseille teammate Rolando.

With no transfer fee required, Palace could offer the player a lucrative salary, but they may need to pip some Premier League rivals in the race for the Frenchman’s services.

In other news: Journalist claims Palace are leading the race to sign energetic ace who 'ticks a lot of boxes'