Blow for Crystal Palace as Juventus reportedly enter race for Patrick van Aanholt

Add as preferred source on Google

Crystal Palace’s hopes of tying down left-back Patrick van Aanholt have taken a serious blow today, with ESPN reporting that Juventus are plotting a potential swoop for the Dutchman this summer.

The Italian champions are said to be drawing up a shortlist of potential candidates to replace superstar fullback Alex Sandro, should he leave for Manchester United in the near future, and the defender is said to feature highly on the wish-list.

Van Aanholt emerged as a sensational attacking full-back last season, and orchestrated a number of vital wins for the Eagles during the latter half of the campaign.

The ex-Chelsea defender bagged an impressive five goals and an assist in 28 appearances, as his side secured a comfortable 11th place finish, and Roy Hodgson will be desperate to keep him at Selhurst Park beyond the window.

The Eagles are already in the process of fending off Everton for the 27-year-old’s services, with Marco Silva registering his interest in the player last month (Daily Mail). But it appears the task will become a whole lot harder now the Serie A giants are in the mix.

As an attacking full-back by trade, Van Aanholt’s pace – registering the second-fastest sprint speed in the Premier League last term – and versatility, allow him to play anywhere along the left-flank similarly to Sandro, which suits Juve and Max Allegri, who has a knack of employing different systems and strategies regularly.

The player’s current contract runs until 2021 with Palace and he has previously revealed that he is well settled and comfortable in south-east London.

However, the prospect of moving to one of the world’s biggest clubs, who have just recorded their seventh successive Scudetto, would be incredibly enticing.

And at 27, it could be the last chance for the former Sunderland man to secure a high-profile move.