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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Palace in talks with Diomande</li><li>Rumoured fee of £45m</li><li>Centre-back a key transfer priority</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Crystal Palace to sign Ruben Amorim's old centre-back?! Eagles hoping to complete £45m deal for Sporting CP ace who has previously been linked with Chelsea

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<p>The FA Cup winners are looking to bolster their squad ahead of the 2025-26 campaign and have taken a big step towards the signing of a centre-back, which is a key priority for the club. According to <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c20wpy7envyo" target="_blank">BBC Sport</a>, negotiations with Sporting CP regarding Diomande's future are underway.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Former Sporting boss and current Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reportedly played an important role <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/crystal-palace-star-nurtured-man-utd-coach-ruben-amorim-update-europa-league-ruling/blt27463923d8d1e277#csfe65591a93964886" target="_blank">in 'nurturing' Diomande</a> while in charge of the Portuguese outfit. The Ivory Coast international has progressed admirably in recent seasons and is valued at roughly £40 million. If Palace end up paying that sum, it would break their current transfer record of £32 million (for Christian Benteke in 2016).</p>
<br><p></p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Palace's big-spending London rivals <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/chelsea-make-contact-with-sporting-cp-over-centre-back-ousmane-diomande/blt2a47b2b36873c6e2#csa4388dcc81cd8333" target="_blank">Chelsea have also been linked with Diomande</a> in the past, with the Blues pointing to the youngster as a key transfer target in late 2023 during Mauricio Pochettino's reign. But that pursuit appears to have ended, and right now the club is primarily targeting attackers with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/chelsea-jamie-gittens-transfer-club-world-cup-two-premier-league-alternatives/blt69b24d325cfd9613#cs587e89588dfe9af3" target="_blank">BVB's Jamie Gittens</a> the latest forward in their sights.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>A cloud looms over Palace as they try to conduct their summer transfer activity, with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/crystal-palace-star-nurtured-man-utd-coach-ruben-amorim-update-europa-league-ruling/blt27463923d8d1e277#cs0b4621339c454be0" target="_blank">their place in next season's Europa League currently under threat </a>due to UEFA rules forbidding individuals from having control of more than one club in the same competition. Palace co-owner John Textor has a majority stake in French side Lyon, who also qualified for the competition. Palace are expecting a decision to be made on their future by late June.</p><br>

WHAT NEXT FOR CRYSTAL PALACE?

Crystal Palace to sign Ruben Amorim's old centre-back?! Eagles hoping to complete £45m deal for Sporting CP ace who has previously been linked with Chelsea | Goal.com

Crystal Palace are in talks to sign Ruben Amorim&apos;s former Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande, amid speculation around Marc Guehi&apos;s future.

Crystal Palace to sign Ruben Amorim&apos;s old centre-back?! Eagles hoping to complete £45m deal for Sporting CP ace who has previously been linked with Chelsea

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