Latest developments
- Crystal Palace are keen on signing Ben Doak from Liverpool.
- The Eagles had a £15m bid rejected last week.
- Doak has been impressing on loan at Middlesbrough this season.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Quality not quantity from Guardian?
After seeing a bid turned down last week, Crystal Palace are going back to Liverpool with an improved offer for their Scotland international Ben Doak.
That is according to The Guardian, who do not publish many transfer rumours. Thus, could a “quality over quantity” approach give this story some validity?
Value (2.5/5): Well above valuation
The Eagles face competition from Ipswich Town, who also had a £15 million bid rejected at the start of the window. Both clubs have responded by adding another £5 million to their offers.
Doak has starred for Scotland this season and has eight goal involvements in the Championship on loan at Middlesbrough, though his market valuation of £8.34 million means the clubs are overspending.
Suitability (2/5): Untested in the Premier League
The teenager has played 10 times for Liverpool, with only three of those appearances coming in the Premier League. Palace's improvement of late means they can take a chance on him, especially given how highly-rated he was at Anfield.
The right-winger can drop back, which will allow him to play across the midfield four preferred by Oliver Glasner, but it is not his most natural position.
Upgrade? (2.5/5): Strong players on the right
Daniel Munoz has impressed this season as a right wing-back operating in the midfield four, popping up with a couple of goals. Further forward, Ismaila Sarr is the only recognised right-winger at the club, and he has adapted well to playing alongside Eberechi Eze, behind the centre-forward.
Palace could do with an extra body in that area, but Doak will likely be an understudy.
Logic (2/5): No need to undo progress
On loan on Teeside until the end of the season, Doak may be better served by finishing his loan and then assessing his options in the summer. Still just 19, he will be in no hurry to sort out his long-term future mid-season.
Whisper+ verdict: 12/25
Palace may look like a better option than relegation-threatened Ipswich, but given how promising his season has been, sticking with Boro until the summer seems more likely.
