Palace set to sign Tomiyasu and consider March deal

What the report says

Crystal Palace are moving toward a free transfer for Takehiro Tomiyasu after the Japan defender completed a successful trial, according to BBC Sport Football. The report says the 27-year-old is expected to return to the Premier League, with talks over a permanent deal already having reached a broad agreement on terms. Palace head coach Pierre Sage is said to be weighing the final decision, with Tomiyasu viewed as a possible left-sided option in a back three next season.

BBC Sport also says Palace are considering a separate move for Solly March. The winger, 32, left Brighton at the end of last season and has been recommended to Palace, with the idea discussed internally at Selhurst Park. The potential interest comes as Palace look to add defensive and attacking depth ahead of the new campaign.

The context, as reported by BBC Sport, is that Palace are trying to strengthen at the back after Maxence Lacroix joined Chelsea. Tomiyasu’s recent spell at Ajax and his knee problems were noted in the article, and Palace are said to want further reassurance about his fitness before completing the move. BBC Sport also mentioned interest in other defensive targets, including Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong and Brest centre-back Raphael Le Guen.