Crystal Palace really came very close to signing Ousmane Diomande last summer, and the move could be revived in the upcoming window.

Portuguese newspaper A Bola reports the Premier League club had a €55m (£47m) proposal prepared for the defender during the previous market. The deal ultimately did not materialise, yet the interest remains active.

Diomande, 22, recently signed a new contract with Sporting CP until 2030. His release clause stayed at €80m (£69m). However, the renewal came with an important understanding behind the scenes.

According to the report, Sporting are willing to analyse offers between €40m and €50m (£34m-£43m) this summer. That range effectively defines the negotiation zone for interested clubs.

Crystal Palace already know the player well. They have been tracking him for some time.

Potugal says Crystal Palace were close

A BOLA explain that Crystal Palace had Diomande firmly on their shortlist last summer. The London club were ready to submit a €55m (£47m) offer to Sporting.

Despite the advanced interest, the move stalled before it reached a formal stage. The newspaper does not detail the exact reasons, but the defender stayed in Lisbon and continued as a key part of Sporting’s squad.

Palace have not...