Crystal Palace set to pinch defender from under Sheffield United’s noses

Sheffield United look like they won’t be signing defender Chris Frais this summer despite him being on trial during the last week or so.

Francis has been part of the squad over in Portugal and played well in the 0-0 draw with Estoril in midweek.

Paul Heckingbottom has since spoken on Francis and admitted a decision would be made over the coming weekend with regards to his future.

However, according to Alan Nixon, the decision has been taken out of United’s hands, with Francis now set to be offered terms by Premier League side Crystal Palace.

Nixon claims that Francis has now left the training camp in Portugal to go and discuss terms with Palace.

The young defender is a free-agent after leaving Bournemouth in the summer. Paul Heckingbottom did say Francis had other interest and offers and it seems that Palace have made their move.

The 20-year-old went from non-league to the Cherries but struggled to make an impression.

The Blades were looking into signing Francis as another young player to develop. However, it seems the ship has sailed now and a move to London could be on instead.

Sheffield United News View: Nothing lost

This is always going to be the risk in taking trialists onboard. Sometimes other offers come in and at the end of the day, the player has to make a career for himself.

It seems like Palace have actually offered a contract and you can’t really blame Francis for going and accepting the deal.

For United, we just move on. Other players will be available and while it’s a shame we’ve put work in with Francis already, it’s simply just how football works at times.

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Fabrizio Romano has shared a big transfer update on winger Anthony Elanga, who Crystal Palace were very keen on signing him in January.

Crystal Palace were reportedly interested in signing the winger on deadline day in January as they looked to bolster this squad. Despite this interest, it was too late for a deal to happen.

Romano tweeted the latest “Nottingham Forest have submitted two bids to Manchester United. Loan deal proposal for Dean Henderson and permanent deal proposal for Elanga.

“Forest want to get both deals done after closing in on Ola Aina free transfer.”

The Manchester United player is apparently available for around £10-15million according to the latest reports, and he is attracting interest from the division.

Nottingham Forest move for Elanga

Crystal Palace no doubt need wingers for next season at this current time. Wilfried Zaha is currently a free agent and Michael Olise suffered an injury, with reports suggesting he will miss the start of the season.

Nottingham Forest are not the only Premier League side interested, reports suggested that Everton were also keen to sign the ‘electric‘ winger.

Elanga is only 21 years-old and has top potential but he is someone who is still very raw and not an ideal replacement for Zaha or Olise.

He has only managed four goals and four assists in over 50 appearances for Manchester United. The Eagles need a proven winger this summer, not a risk.

Elanga could definitely be a top signing for Forest, but for the Eagles, who have been in the division for over a decade, they need to sign more proven players to push top half.

It will be interesting to see where the Swedish international ends up. With so many top wingers at Manchester United, it feels very likely that he will leave this summer.