Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on Derby County forward Malcolm Ebiowei, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Johnstone move

Patrick Vieira is looking to make a head start prior to the summer transfer window officially opening and appears to be closing in on a first piece of business.

The Eagles have reportedly held talks with West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, with the 29-year-old set to become a free agent from June.

Johnstone is thought to be excited over a return to the Premier League with Palace, but the club seem to already be eyeing up their next target.

Romano took to Twitter on Thursday evening to post an update regarding Ebiowei. The transfer expert stated that both Palace and Manchester United are tracking the ‘talented striker’.

AS Monaco and SBV Vitesse are also interested in the 18-year-old, with Romano adding that Steve McClaren’s return to Old Trafford from Derby could play a factor in Ebiowei’s next move.

The Verdict: Plange 2.0?

Palace struck a deal with Derby back in January for another young forward, Luke Plange. The club sent the 19-year-old back to Derby on loan until the end of the season, where he continued to play regularly under Wayne Rooney.

Ebiowei could well follow in Plange's footsteps and started Derby’s final 11 Championship games as a right-winger, scoring and providing an assist in a 2-0 win over Blackpool.

He can play anywhere across the front three and is a man in demand, so it could be wise for the Eagles to firm up their interest over the coming weeks, aiming to take advantage of Derby’s financial struggles once again.

In other news: 'Interested...' - Transfer insider drops big Palace claim involving 'brilliant' EPL supremo.