Crystal Palace want Khouma Babacar and leapfrog West Ham in race to sign £15m-rated Fiorentina striker
Hammers were looking to land ace on loan with an option to buy him this summer but Palace look to have won race
CRYSTAL PALACE have reportedly leapfrogged West Ham in the race to sign Fiorentina star Khouma Babacar.
The Guardian claims Roy Hodgson has made a £15million move for the Senegal international as he looks to boost his options in attack.
West Ham were keen to wrap up a loan deal for Babacar, along with the option to sign him permanently next summer.
But it appears that Palace have stolen a march on their London rivals by meeting Fiorentina’s terms in full.
Christian Benteke has scored just once this season, and Hodgson is keen to land a proven goalscorer after putting five points between Palace and the relegation zone.
The Eagles were looking to raid West Ham for Diafra Sakho, and had also made enquiries for Everton’s Oumar Niasse.
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However, Hodgson seems to feel that Babacar is the right man to lead the line at Selhurst Park.
And a deal could be completed next week as talks remain ongoing with Lille for centre-back Ibrahim Amadou.
HE'S A KEEPER Crystal Palace in talks with Ipswich to sign star goalkeeper
Palace also remain locked in negotiations for experienced Getafe goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.
He wants to play in the Premier League but Palace are finding it hard to persuade Getafe to part ways with him.
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