- Crystal Palace eye Quinten Timber
- Aston Villa also interested in Dutchman
- Marseille set asking price
Crystal Palace are reportedly rivalling Aston Villa in the race to sign Marseille midfielder Quinten Timber. The Dutchman has landed on the Eagles’ shortlist ahead of a crucial summer transfer window.
Sports Boom reports that Palace are eyeing the 24-year-old, who is the brother of Arsenal’s title-winning Jurrien. Villa are currently frontrunners although the South London outfit’s interest might increase off the back of Jefferson Lerma snubbing a new contract.
Timber is a box-to-box midfielder who is superb at retaining possession. He’s made 16 appearances for Marseille, whom he only joined from Feyenoord in the winter.
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Crystal Palace battle Aston Villa for Timber
Timber is said to be open to a move to the Premier League, where he could face his brother. A move to Selhurst Park is a possibility and he’s valued at around €30 million.
The problem the South Londoners might have is seeing off competition from Villa. Unai Emery’s men have qualified for the UEFA Champions League and that is always a big advantage for any club battling for a player’s signature.
Palace will be overhauling their midfield this summer amid Daichi Kamada’s departure. Lerma reportedly turned down a new contract this week and could head to La Liga as a free agent.
Timber has plenty of experience, having earned 10 caps for the Netherlands. He was part of Arne Slot’s Feyenoord team that won the Eredivisie in the 2022/23 campaign.
Interesting option
Timber has impressed during his short time at Marseille and his profile suits the Premier League. An all-action midfielder who has tons of energy, he might be an ideal Kamada replacement.
The asking price is more than reasonable and allows Palace to further strengthen in midfield. Reports suggest Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney is on the Eagles’ wishlist and they are also eyeing Rennes’ Jordan James.
The South London outfit could head into next season as UEFA Conference League winners if they beat Rayo Vallecano in the final on May 27th. That grants them a place in the Europa League and strength in depth is vital.
A new manager will be at the helm ahead of Oliver Glasner’s departure in June. They must be backed in the transfer window and some huge names might need replacing.
