Alex MacQuoid
Palace Set New Transfer Record for Strand Larsen
Crystal Palace have reached an agreement in principle to sign Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen in a deal worth approximately £50m. The pursuit of the 25-year-old Norway international intensified rapidly over the last 24 hours, with a formal submission expected shortly. If completed, this move will eclipse the £35m Eagles record set earlier this month for Brennan Johnson.
Wolves maintained a firm stance throughout the window, previously rejecting a £55m approach from Newcastle. While Leeds United saw a £40m bid turned down, they have signaled an unwillingness to match the current valuation. Strand Larsen has managed a single Premier League goal this term, but his profile fits the long-term tactical shift under the hierarchy at Selhurst Park.
Nottingham Forest Target Jean-Philippe Mateta
The arrival of Strand Larsen facilitates a potential exit for Jean-Philippe Mateta. The French forward has expressed his desire to leave South London, specifically seeking Champions League football. Juventus and AC Milan hold concrete interest, but Nottingham Forest remain the most aggressive suitors. Forest previously failed with a £35m opening bid but are preparing an improved package for the 28-year-old, who has scored eight goals this season.
Logistics remain complicated as Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest face one another in league action this Sunday. No official paperwork is expected to be processed until that fixture concludes. In a separate move, Forest saw a £20m offer for Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari rebuffed by the Seagulls.
Evann Guessand. Source: Official X David Ornstein
Evann Guessand Nears Selhurst Park Loan
Oliver Glasner is also finalized a secondary attacking reinforcement. Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand is close to joining Palace on a loan deal through the end of the campaign, which includes a future purchase option. The Ivory Coast international has seen his minutes restricted at Villa Park, particularly following the £18.25m arrival of Tammy Abraham from Besiktas.
Guessand, who joined Villa from Nice for £26m last summer, has struggled for starts behind Ollie Watkins and Abraham. His move to London provides a necessary depth chart overhaul as the Eagles brace for a busy second half of the season. Follow TipsGG for the latest Premier League transfer updates.