Crystal Palace are reportedly eyeing a move for Eintracht Frankfurt winger Filip Kostic, who could potentially be a replacement for Wilfred Zaha at the club.
Zaha was rumoured to leave the Eagles last season, but remained at Selhurst Park. The Ivory Coast international could, however, move come the summer.
As per The Sun (via FourFourTwo), Palace have been scouting Kostic and could make a move for him in the summer. Kostic is reportedly valued at around £10 million, as per the report.
The Serbian international moved to Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, after spending one year on loan at the club from Hamburg. So far this season, Kostic has scored 12 goals and assisted 12 in all competitions for the club.
His contract with the club expires only in 2023, as he signed a four-year deal ahead last year. The 27-year-old has played 32 times for his country, scoring twice in the process.
Can Filip Kostic replace Wilfried Zaha at Crystal Palace?
Kostic is a left-footed player, who primarily plays on the left flank. The Serbian has played as a left wing-back, left midfielder, and even further forward as a left-sided attacker.
He likes to hug the touchline, drive at defences, and put in teasing crosses into the box. This season, Kostic averages 3 crosses and 2.5 key passes per game in the league.
Kostic is a hard-working player who drives up and down the left flank, passing, crossing, shooting, and even helping out defensively. He averages 2.9 shots per game and 3.1 dribbles per game this year in the Bundesliga, while his defensive contribution has been solid as well, averaging 2.1 tackles per game.
The Serb is a player who may not have the pace of Zaha or the dribbling ability of the Ivory Coast international, but his crossing and passing perhaps make up for that.
Palace do not play expansive football under manager Roy Hodgson which means that a team player like Kostic would settle in very well in the former England manager’s set-up.
Kostic has vast experience, quality, and can score and assist from wide areas, which has been lacking at Palace this season. He would be a good signing for Palace and would also be a cheap alternative for the Eagles should Zaha leave, thereby allowing them to strengthen other areas of the pitch as well.