Burnley and Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing 22-year-old French midfielder Andy Diouf from Ligue 1 club RC Lens in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by French outlet L’Equipe, Andy Diouf is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are keen on reinforcing their midfield unit by signing a versatile midfielder in the summer transfer window. So, the 22-year-old RC Lens prospect has emerged as a target for the South London outfit.

Meanwhile, the Frenchman is also a target for Burnley, with the newly promoted Premier League club striking an agreement with the Ligue 1 club over a deal worth €20 million. However, Diouf is leaning towards joining Crystal Palace instead of Burnley, although the Eagles are no closer to securing his services.

Andy Diouf and his rise

Andy Diouf has established himself as one of the best young prospects in Ligue 1 since joining RC Lens from FC Basel in July 2023. A native of Neuilly-sur-Seine, the 22-year-old spent his formative years in France, passing through the academies at AF Garenne-Colombes, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Boulogne-Billancourt before graduating from the youth division at Stade Rennais.

However, the French midfield prospect has landed on his feet since joining RC Lens. He has turned out over 50 times thus far for the Ligue 1 club while chipping in with two goals and two assists. Diouf was also part of the squad that won the silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace.

London calling?

Crystal Palace’s interest in Andy Diouf is understandable. The Eagles are scouring the market for a young and versatile midfielder this summer amid uncertainties surrounding Adam Wharton’s long-term future. While the English international may remain at Crystal Palace beyond the summer transfer window, he will unlikely spend many years at Selhurst Park.

So, several candidates have emerged on Crystal Palace’s radar, with Diouf also a viable target. However, the Eagles are behind Burnley in the chase, even though the 22-year-old Frenchman is leaning towards moving to Selhurst Park in the summer transfer window. The Clarets have already secured an agreement over a deal worth €20 million with RC Lens.

With Diouf preferring a summer move to Crystal Palace, the South London club must move quickly to secure his services in the summer transfer window. It will be interesting to see if the South London outfit can beat Burnley to the French midfielder’s signature.