Crystal Palace have a big Summer ahead if they are to sufficiently strengthen before the new campaign kicks off, and manager Pierre Sage will be looking across his squad as he decides who needs replacing or upgrading. 

Yesterday, we bought you three central defenders that Palace could consider signing, so today we’re going to look a bit further up the pitch. Palace’s midfield depth is in need of reinforcements, as the futures of both Adam Wharton and Jefferson Lerma remain unknown, as does the fitness of Cheick Doucouré.

Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney had been a long term target, but was announced as an Everton player after a £16.7m move. 

Now, the South London club will have to look elsewhere if they’re to bolster Sage’s options. 

Not only did Sage manage Sangaré last season, but Sky Sports have reported that Palace are indeed considering a move for the 24-year-old Mali international. He was a standout performer for Lens in his first campaign, signing from SK Rapid Wien last Summer for just £7m. 

33 games for Sage’s side later, and Sangaré has increased his value by almost 500%, and would demand a fee in the region of £35m. He’s a very similar player to Wharton, but has more pace and the ability to score goals more consistently. 

The issue that Palace face is that Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham are all interested, and the fee would make Sangaré a marquee signing, instead of a simple squad bulking option. Palace could have the advantage of Sage being in charge, and that may help persuade Sangaré to opt for South London as his next step. 

Kodai Sano is 22, and was extremely unfortunate to miss out on the Japanese World Cup squad after a superb season in the Netherlands, where NEC finished third in the Eredivisie and qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the upcoming season. 

Sano would be a superb fit for Palace. He’s a truly unique profile, because despite his slight frame and standing at just 5”7, Sano is a physical specimen, and a truly fantastic defensive option. His ball recovery and one on one defending is elite, and his ball retention is also strong. 

Sano also provides a really great threat going forward, with an eye for an assist and also for a goal himself. With two years remaining on his current deal, Sano should be gettable for around £14m. 

However, Palace would need to act fast, as a host of Bundesliga clubs are circling, with reports even suggesting that TSG Hoffenheim are nearing an agreement for Sano. Either way, the Japanese midfielder would be a superb signing for Palace, and a smart piece of scouting. 

A name that Palace have been linked with before, James won the EFL Championship Young Player of the Year award last season, despite the Foxes’ relegation to the third tier of English football. He returned to Rennais upon the expiration of his loan move, and now looks set for a Summer move. 

James is very much an all action midfielder. He has the ability to score goals from long range, accumulating quite the catalogue during his time in the midlands. His passing ability is also strong, and paired with his workrate and defensive attributes, he would be a strong option for the double pivot. 

He’d most likely cost a fee in the region of £15m, and suits Palace’s model really well, signing young exciting talents and providing a platform for them to impress. 

As things stand, Palace are in need of midfield reinforcements. It is still unknown if Daichi Kamada will extend his stay in South London, and if Wharton is sold or Doucouré’s fitness continues to cause issues, Pierre Sage will need to make at least one signing as he prepares for his first season with the club.