CRYSTAL PALACE are set to win the race for hot prospect Malcolm Ebiowei.
The 18-year-old winger is available on a free transfer after leaving Derby.
Malcolm Ebiowei, left, is a free agent after leaving Derby and could join Crystal Palace
He was being pursued by Manchester United and Monaco.
But Palace appear to have beaten off the competition to sign a player who made 16 appearances for Wayne Rooney’s Rams in the Championship this term.
Eboiwei is understood to have undergone a medical on Monday.
And it is believed he has agreed a contract until 2027.
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He follows the same path as forward Luke Plange.
Plange left Pride Park for Selhurst Park for £1million in January, before returning to Derby on loan.
Palace have a rich recent history of signing young players from the lower leagues.
Ebere Eze joined from QPR in 2020 for around £17m and flourished before an Achilles injury hampered his progress.
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And Michael Olise, signed from Reading for £8m last summer, shone in the second half of the season just finished.
Palace have also been linked with West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone this summer as well as Harry Winks – although Everton are in pole position for the Spurs midfielder.
United, meanwhile, are still waiting to land their first signing of the Erik ten Hag era.
Antony looked close to a £40m switch from Ajax before the Dutch champs reportedly raised their demands.
The Red Devils continue to work on a deal for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.