As the Summer transfer window continues to heat up, Crystal Palace are reportedly targeting a new central defender, as uncertainty surrounding Maxence Lacroix’s future continues. 

This weekend, we put forward three possible options for the Eagles to sign, including Lens defender Ismaell Ganiou. French outlet L’Equipe are reporting that Palace are indeed interested in one of two defenders who thrived under Pierre Sage in Northern France. 

Lens’ side was curated with a smart blend of experience and youth, and it’s the young players who Palace are interested in. As the club continues to monitor Mamadou Sangaré, they also have two defensive options in mind to bolster the backline. 

Whilst the report from L’Equipe does not specify which central defender Palace are monitoring, the inference is that it will be one of their two youngsters. 

Ismaël Ganiou would be an astute piece of business. The French Under-21 international has played with Palace man Jaydee Canvot before at international youth level, and would add both quality and youth to the squad. 

A fee in the region of £20m could be enough to force Lens to sell, and with Sage having already succeeded with him, a deal would make sense. Signing Ganiou would not only bolster Sage’s immediate squad options, but it would also set up Palace’s defence superbly for the future. 

The other option would be Lens’ 22-year-old Austrian defender Samson Baidoo. Baidoo was signed from RB Salzburg in Austria for £6 million last Summer, and despite a handful of injuries, played a key role for Sage in the first half of the season. 

A recurring hamstring issue has seen him miss over two months of football this calendar year, but he is still heavily linked to a move away from Lens this Summer. 

Interest from the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, as well as a handful of Premier League clubs could see a high asking price, along with the fact that Lens are reluctant to sell such an important asset. He’d likely come at a higher price than Ganiou, with a fee in the region of £30 million potentially enough to pry him away from the French club. 

Whilst Baidoo is a strong defender, his most impressive ability is ball retention. In both the Austrian Bundesliga and Ligue Un, he averages over 93% pass accuracy. 

He’s also very dominant in both aerial and ground duels, and his composure is also a standout feature, booked just twice in 23 Ligue Un games last season. 

As with any young players, both Baidoo and Ganiou have room for improvement, but the pair have shown strong signs of development, and enjoyed successful and consistent seasons for Lens under Sage. 

Whilst the links may simply be arising due to Sage’s history with Lens, they are two strong options for Palace, who may be able to capitalise on their new manager’s history with such a talented squad.