It is widely expected that Liverpool misfit Sebastian Coates is Fulham bound with a deal due to be announced by the end of this week.
However the Cutter understands there is much more work left in the deal than is perceived and should the move fall through Premier League new boys Crystal Palace are waiting in the wings.
Palace boss Ian Holloway has been busy this summer concentrating his search on improving his attacking options and to that end has already secured the services of Jerome Thomas, Stephen Dobbie, and made a surprise big-money swoop for Peterborough’s Dwight Gayle. Young Spanish schemer Jose Campana along with wingers Elliot Grandin, and capital-phile Odenwingie are also reportedly in the pipeline.
The wily gaffer is acutely aware however that quality is required at the back and has had the lolloping Uruguayan on his radar for some time. At 6ft 5 perhaps that isn’t so surprising.
Coates arrived at Anfield two years ago burdened with a best young player award from a triumphant Copa America but has since failed to make any impact. Under the reign of Rodgers he has fallen even further down the pecking order and last March went public with his frustration and desire to move on.
The 22 year old is available for £5m, a fee Palace wouldn’t baulk at for a potentially top class stopper. However, whilst their neighbours the Cottagers have stolen a march they are believed to be haggling over the sum and are nowhere close to the player’s personal terms, a situation primed to be capitalised upon by Holloway in the days ahead.
