Crystal Palace are reportedly keen on a Newcastle midfielder heading into the January window.

Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace side are preparing to come up against Man United this weekend, in what could be a pivotal weekend for the Eagles. If they were to beat the Red Devils on Saturday, the Eagles could move up to second in the Premier League table, which would be a statement position.

The biggest issue Glasner has at Palace at the moment is trying to keep hold of his best players. The likes of Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton are both in demand at the moment, with Palace currently trying to extend Mateta’s contract at the club.

But Glasner will also want to improve his squad in January as they could finish the season in the Champions League places. According to fresh reports, they are interested in a player who is already playing in the competition with Newcastle United.

Palace are keen on Joe Willock

Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock is the definition of a reliable Premier League midfielder; however, he has had some injury issues at St James’ Park. The 26-year-old has made just four Premier League appearances for Eddie Howe this season, and three in the Champions League.

He is more of a squad player for Newcastle, and it now seems that Palace are hoping to tempt him to London in January. According to The Telegraph, Crystal Palace are set to target Willock in the transfer window, as Glasner looks to add more quality in midfield. He is expected to cost upwards of £20m in January.

Despite his lack of game time, Willock is admired by Howe at Newcastle. The Newcastle manager was quoted by NewcastleWorld after their defeat against Brentford before the international break. He said: “Naturally, I think our midfield does have a different complexion with him in the team.

“Joe does add a running and an athleticism that maybe we don’t have without him. I was delighted with his contribution.”

Palace could swap Kamada for Willock

As Palace will be keen to keep hold of Wharton, and so they could consider swapping a different midfielder for Willock to try and tempt Newcastle to sell. Daichi Kamada has been a reliable option for Glasner, but he is 29 now, and so it would be a good time to cash in on him.

Palace could offer Kamada in exchange for Willock and say to Newcastle that the Japanese midfielder would be a great squad player for them, which is the role that Willock plays at the moment. The 29-year-old has made 17 appearances for Crystal Palace in all competitions this season, but he is yet to score.

Kamada’s current contract at Selhurst Park is due to expire in June, too, so they will be keen to get him off the books, as part of a swap, because it would avoid letting him leave as a free agent in the summer instead.