Crystal Palace have begun discussions with Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang over the potential loan signing of Yannick Carrasco as their search for a forward continues.
The 26-year-old has failed to acclimatise to life in China since his £20m move from La Liga outfit Atlético Madrid, despite scoring 24 goals and registering 17 assists in 52 games for the Blue Hawks.
The former Monaco star has been trying to manufacture a move away from Dalian Yifang for more than 12 months and was linked with a move to fellow Premier League side Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
According to Belgian outlet HLN, the Eagles are willing to give the Belgian international an escape route via Selhurst Park and are looking to bring in the winger in on loan with an option to buy permanently in the summer.
Although the allure of having one of Europe's most versatile forwards in their ranks will be tempting for Palace, one potential obstacle in their pursuit of Carrasco is his £180,000-per-week wages. However, having spent just £7.1m on incoming transfers and receiving over £50m on outgoings in the summer, Roy Hodgson's side should be able to afford the services of Carrasco.
Despite sitting 11th in the Premier League and just four points adrift of Manchester United in fifth place, Crystal Palace have failed to win any of their last six games across all competitions and are in danger of falling further down the table. Moreover, the Eagles have scored just 22 goals in 24 league games so far this season and would ideally like support for their top goalscorer, Jordan Ayew, who has just six goals to his name.
Carrasco has been in and out of the Belgian team since his 2018 move to Dalian Yifang, which has resulted in bit-part appearances for the Red Devils in their Euro 2020 qualifiers. The former Atlético winger has played the full 90 minutes just twice, coming in wins against San Marino and Cyprus respectively.
Carrasco has reiterated his desire to return to Europe and prove his worth ahead of this years European Championships, stating:
"I still feel OK in China. But I have lost my starting place in the Belgian national side. This can happen with a team of their quality. With the level of competition there will always be times when you don't get to play a lot."
Source: 90min
