Crystal Palace have been told they must break their transfer record to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou, according to reports.
The Eagles are on the hunt for a new defender with reports heavily linking Marc Guehi with Newcastle United following a successful 2023/24 campaign and England's impressive performance at Euro 2024.
Kossounou is another highly sought after defender following his role in Leverkusen's unbeaten domestic season, winning the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal twice while also reaching the Europa League final.
The 24-time Ivorian played 34 games in all competitions, averaging 1.34 clearances, 1.14 air duels won and 6.57 recoveries per 90 minutes of league play.
As revealed by CaughtOffsideLiverpool are interested in Kossounou and have lodged an inquiry with Leverkusen for the 23-year-old in the window. However, their interest seems to have cooled recently.
Crystal Palace transfer news: Transfer fee needed for Kossounou
Crystal Palace now appear to be the club most interested in Kossounou and are thought to be bolstered by Leverkusen's willingness to cash in this summer.
However, according to German outlet Kicker (via Get Football News Germany), it would take bids of €40-45m (£34.3m-£38.6m) to convince. Die Werkself to release their title winner.
The August 2016 move for Belgian striker Christian Benteke for £27m plus £5m in add-ons (via BBC Sport) remains Crystal Palace's transfer record to date, while the £18m signing of midfielder Adam Wharton is their biggest income in the last 12 years. months.
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