Manchester United forward Anthony Elanga
Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in making a move for Manchester United forward Anthony Elanga before the end of the January transfer window.
The Lowdown: Elanga out of favour
The Swede has struggled to be a key part of Erik ten Hag’s plans at Old Trafford this season, finding himself usurped by the likes of Antony and Marcus Rashford.
Elanga has been limited to only seven starts in all competitions for United, and no goals and just two assists have come his way in 2022/23 to date.
The 20-year-old may feel that his short-term future lies away from the Red Devils and a loan move before deadline day ends could be beneficial.
The Latest: Palace eyeing move
Speaking to Give Me Sport, transfer expert Dean Jones claimed that Palace could look to swoop at the final stage this month:
“Palace are one of the many clubs that have been sniffing around Elanga today. United are so cautious about how they manage him, they know he is going to be special if they choose his pathway properly.
“Last check, Palace seemed unsure it was going to be possible but he could really help their season, and they also think they could aid Elanga’s progression.”
The Verdict: Shrewd signing by Eagles?
While Palace are already blessed with quality in wide attacking areas, from Wilfried Zaha to Michael Olise, there isn’t necessarily a huge amount of depth.
In Elanga, Patrick Vieira could have an ideal signing to add competition in those places, with Zlatan Ibrahimavic once describing him as a ‘great talent’.
Perhaps his most impressive traits are his physical ones, ranking in the 92nd percentile for aerial duels won by wingers in the top five European leagues, also sitting in the 83rd percentile for tackles, showing he puts a lot of work in pressing from the front (FBRef).
The £5,000-a-week attacker has registered four goals and assists apiece at United, not to mention netting once in nine caps for Sweden, and he is at an age where he should only improve.
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