Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are showing interest in Union Saint-Gilloise defender Koky Machida, who will cost €10-15m.
That’s according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who says the Premier League duo are keen on the 26-year-old as they look to build this summer.
Machida has been a regular for the Belgian side since arriving from Kashima Antlers in a €1m deal last summer, having initially joined them on loan last season.
He’s managed 39 appearances in all competitions to date and impressed, earning admirers in Belgium and outside of the country too.
Indeed, he has regularly been linked with a move away since November last year, when it was made clear Tottenham were keeping an eye on his progress.
He was subsequently linked throughout the January transfer window, although Spurs ultimately went in a different direction and signed Radu Dragusin.
They’ve not been named as potential suitors for a while and it now seems the main interest in the Premier League is coming from sides further down the division, namely Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest.
That’s at least according to Tavolieri, who names the Premier League duo as those potentially pushing, although there is likely to be competition for him.
After crediting Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest with interest, he said: “So, the interest of the Premier League is confirmed, with a player who could, or should, leave the club during the summer transfer window. He received his ticket out, so he won’t be retained.
“But beware, beware, the central defender, left-footed, obtains and plays in a very expected and very rare position, very in demand on the market.
“This is why the Union Saint-Gilloise will not be tender with the claimants. They simply claim, and it is quite fair to claim, €10-15m, bonus included, for Koky Machida. So which destination will Koky choose? Whether it’s Nottingham or Crystal Palace, that’s wait and see.”
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