Crystal Palace now scouting last season’s “top-scoring teenager” in Europe

Crystal Palace are now scouting a striker who was last season’s “top-scoring teenager” in Europe, but they may face competition for his signature from Premier League rivals Leicester City, according to a report.

Palace planning for the summer

After a difficult start to the campaign, Palace have found their feet as the season has gone on, and they look set to secure yet another mid-table finish in the Premier League, despite there still being a third of the season left to play.

Oliver Glasner will no doubt be looking to take a step forward and push for Europe next season, but it could be a difficult task, with doubt lingering over the futures of Marc Guehi and Jean-Philippe Mateta, who have both been attracting attention.

In truth, it looks likely Guehi will move on in the summer, given that the defender will have just one year remaining on his contract by that point, but Steve Parish is determined to keep hold of Mateta, with a big pay rise potentially on the cards.

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Crystal Palace scouts keeping a close eye on £20m gem ahead of the summer

Crystal Palace are among the teams interested in signing a rising star in the second tier.

That said, it is by no means a guarantee the striker will remain at Selhurst Park, and the Eagles are now looking at new options ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to a report from Bold (via Sport Witness), Crystal Palace have been keeping a close eye on FC Midtjylland striker Franculino Dju, having sent scouts to watch the Danish Superliga star in recent weeks.

Leicester are also named as potential suitors for Dju, and there is a feeling the Foxes are particularly keen on getting a deal done, given that they have watched him in action on several occasions.

Bayer Leverkusen and Besiktas have also been named as potential suitors in the past, so there is unlikely to be a shortage of interest this summer, particularly considering how impressive the now 20-year-old has been in Denmark this season.

Dju among Europe’s most prolific young strikers

Amid links to Leverkusen and Torino in the winter, reporter Farzam Abolhosseini said the Midtjylland star was the “top-scoring teenager” in Europe last season, having enjoyed an impressive breakout campaign in Denmark.

After leaving behind Benfica in search of first-team minutes, the centre-forward bagged 17 goals in all competitions for Midtjylland last term, while also picking up six assists.

The Guinea-Bissau international seems to have been vindicated for his decision to move to Denmark, given that he is now a key player for the Danish side, and he is gaining experience at a high level, making five Europa League appearances this season.

However, the move to Midtjylland seems like it could be a stepping stone for the former Benfica man, who has now proven he is ready to take the next step in his career, and his goal record indicates he could be a success for Palace in the Premier League.