VfB Stuttgart midfielder Naouirou Ahamada looks set to become Crystal Palace's first signing in the January transfer window, according to reports.
The Eagles are yet to dip into the market this window but that could be about to change soon with Ahamada reportedly booked in for a medical on Monday.
Reports suggest that a €12million (£10.5m) fee has been agreed between the two clubs for the French youth international who is said to have agreed personal terms with Palace. The Daily Mail claim Ahamada will join on a three-and-a-half year contract, with the option of a further two years.
READ MORE: Crystal Palace linked in transfer move for Cork City and Republic of Ireland teenager
Central midfield has been identified as a key area Patrick Vieira wants to strengthen this window. Jeffrey Schlupp and summer signing Cheick Doucoure have been the preferred choice so far, with Will Hughes, Luka Milivojevic and Jairo Riedewald also an option.
James McArthur has been out all season due to a groin injury and 17-year-old David Ozoh became the youngest player to feature for Palace in the Premier League after coming on for the final four minutes of the 0-0 draw against Manchester United earlier this month.
Ahamada initially joined Stuttgart on loan from Juventus in October 2020 before making the move to Germany permanent the following summer. The 20-year-old has played 18 times for the Bundesliga side this season, scoring two goals and providing two assists. He was sent off in the last game he featured for Stuttgart against Hoffenheim last Tuesday (January 24) with Ahamada missing the trip to RB Leipzig on Friday.
READ NEXT
'Very close' - Crystal Palace striker nears January exit amid wait on Chelsea loan decision
The Arsenal, Brighton and Man United stars Michael Olise is up against for Premier League award
Crystal Palace's March fixture list in full after decisions made on Arsenal and Man City games
Paul Merson and Chris Sutton in agreement about Crystal Palace and Newcastle United
Alan Shearer's positive Crystal Palace message ahead of Man United and Newcastle fixtures
