Rumour Reel: Crystal Palace pounce again for Brazil and Santos star Lucas Lima

Lee Gormley | October 5, 2016

Coral’s rumour reel

The transfer window may not be open until January, but that hasn’t stopped Premier League bosses from window shopping for some deals which could be agreed quickly upon the next market commencing.

Top tier outfits have some time to wait before deals can be done, yet many tacticians are still on the lookout for top talent, as the domestic action currently takes a back seat to this season’s second international break, which means plenty of chances to scout potential acquisitions.

Crystal Palace target Lima

Alan Pardew made an audacious attempt to lure Brazil international playmaker Lucas Lima to Crystal Palace from Santos in the summer but, after the previous frustration of missing out on their target, the Eagles are ready to swoop again.

Lucas Lima, who boasts 12 caps for the Samba Boys’ senior set-up, was the subject of a summer Deadline Day bid from Pardew’s London club, yet such a switch to Selhurst Park fell through.

The 26-year-old would provide Palace with a huge boost to their attacking ranks and he would surely help new frontman Christian Benteke flourish, as he possesses a wide range of creative abilities.

Santos are keen to keep hold of their prize asset and want to tie him down to a new contract in Brazil, but Lucas Lima has admitted he may be tempted into a move away, with China also a touted destination.