Crystal Palace fans were absolutely cockahoop in the Transfer Tavern a few months ago when Alan Pardew signed Christian Benteke from Liverpool.
Since then, it can be said that the season has not quite gone to plan for the Eagles in a year which has seen Pardew replaced by Sam Allardyce as the man in charge at Selhurst Park, as well as Benteke somewhat performing below the high expectations set for him after his move south from Merseyside.
Furthermore, The Telegraph has reported Benteke is disillusioned with life at Palace and his spat at the weekend with Andros Townsend following their 1-0 win over Middlesbrough visualised just how unhappy the Belgian is at Selhurst Park.
Indeed, the report alleges that West Ham could look to profit from such disharmony and try and sign him which has got our landlord thinking.
If Benteke does go, who will Palace replace him with? Here are two he came up with…
Aleksandar Mitrovic
Before the January transfer window, it was reported that Palace were willing to pay up for Mitrovic – who has struggled to displace former Eagle, Dwight Gayle, from the Newcastle starting XI this season.
The 22-year-old certainly has potential and after scoring nine goals for Newcastle as they got relegated last season, he proved that he can score goals in the Premier League. This could well a shrewd investment for Palace as it is evident that the Serbian has his best years ahead of him.
Though signing Mitrovic has it’s draw-backs – with punters in the Tavern citing his discipline as being the main issue – our landlord believes this could be a brilliant transfer for the Eagles.
Roger Martí
Whilst reports have circulated that Palace have scouted Martí, Palace fans in the Transfer Tavern spat out their beer when they realised this unknown prospect was linked with replacing the marquee player that is Benteke.
Though the former Valencia youth player has been playing in the Spanish Segunda this season, his 17 goals in 26 appearances see Levante seven points clear at the top of the table as they look to return to La Liga for the 2017/18 season.
Whether Martí will join them there is a different matter and after studying him closely in his beer cellar, our landlord believes that this could well be a strong move for Palace.
Thoughts, Palace fans? Let us know below!
