Today's transfer rumours are more exciting than yesterday's...
Yesterday's blog looked at the rumours linking us with Alex McCarthy of Reading and Stephen Kingsley of Falkirk, and while there's nothing wrong with either of those signings they weren't exactly the kind of names which get your average football fan salivating. Today however we've seen some different names being linked - notably those of Jordy Clasie and Jonny Williams.
Clasie has shot to fame in the last week after playing an absolutely world-class pass in to Robin Van Persie for Holland's equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Ecuador, and personally I think there's very little chance we'll land him. There are much bigger clubs interested in him by all accounts so until there's something more concrete I'll refrain from getting excited about that one - though it would be very easy to. Just check out this pass...
Now for Jonny Williams. He's had a couple of serious injury problems, and both were on Wales duty. Firstly he broke his leg playing for the U21's, and most recently he did his ankle ligaments whilst with the Wales team this past September. This resulted in him being coaxed back to fitness, and not long after signing a new contract around the turn of the year (which sees him tied to the club until 2018) he was loaned out to Ipswich in order for him to regain full match fitness.
He's been Palace's Young Player of the Year (in the season they won promotion to the PL), and has been praised so highly that the tag of "Joniesta" doesn't seem at all ironic. What's more - he's Welsh! The nationalist idealist traditionalist in me loves the idea of signing up all the best young Welsh talent, and Williams is a player I've always admired. I know he won't be cheap having just signed a new contract, but all that means is Palace will get a bit more money for him - if he wants the move and we put up the cash he'll come. Assuming he doesn't fancy a move to any other potential suitor, anyway.
How much would he cost? Probably not far off ten million, but I can't see him costing ten or more as he simply hasn't played enough top-level football. Couple that with the unlikelihood of him fitting into an increasingly Pulified Palace and there's definitely a possibility of us getting our man this summer. With the midfield diamond looking likely to come to the fore next season, a player of Williams' ilk could well be a very handy option.
Would you like to see Williams brought in? How much would he cost? How much should we pay? Get involved in the comment section below!