Palace back in the hunt for Anderlecht star Mbodji

The prospective deal between Crystal Palace and Anderlecht defender Kara Mbodji could be back on, according to reports.

Palace were interested in bringing Mbodji to Selhurst Park back in January, and had a £10m bid for their target rejected.

But Anderlecht are now said to be willing to let the defender achieve his long-held ambition of playing in the Premier League.

The Eagles face competition for the Senegal international’s signature from the likes of Watford, Leicester City and newly-promoted Huddersfield Town.

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And the 27-year-old has made his feelings clear about the prospect of securing a move to England.

“In January I narrowly missed out on my dream of playing in England – for the third consecutive transfer window,” said Mbodji.

“I have dreamed about playing in England since I was little. But I am a believer and things happen if they are meant to be.”

Mbodji made 36 appearances last season as Anderlecht won the Belgian First Division A title and made the quarter-final stage of the Europa League.

His most natural position is at centre-half and he would appear to be a perfect replacement for Mamadou Sakho, whose loan spell from Liverpool came to an end last month.

Mbodji is also capable of playing as a holding midfielder and an apparent poor attitude in the second half of the campaign after not getting a January move to England doesn’t appear to have put Palace off.