Crystal Palace are discussing the possibility of taking Manchester United’s out-of-favour midfielder Donny van de Beek on loan for the remainder of the season. The Dutchman is hoping to seal a temporary switch away from Old Trafford this month after enduring a nightmare 18-month spell at Old Trafford.
The Eagles are exploring a move to bring in Van de Beek as Patrick Vieira looks to bolster his squad ahead of the transfer deadline on January 31.
According to The Athletic, the south London outfit are growing optimistic of securing a deal for the 24-year-old as he is open to a move to Selhurst Park this month.
Palace are well-stocked in the midfield areas, with loan star Conor Gallagher, Will Hughes and Luka Milivojevic forming the midfield three under Vieira.
But the opportunity to add a player with Champions League experience such as Van de Beek, who was courted by Real Madrid before joining United in 2020, may be too tempting to turn down.
Talks between the clubs are ongoing with a loan deal in the pipeline, although it is understood there would be no option for Palace to make the deal permanent if the move is a success.
Donny van de Beek: The Man Utd outcast is wanted by Crystal Palace (Image: Getty Images/Manchester United FC)
Van de Beek is yet to make a Premier League start this season for the Red Devils, making only eight substitute appearances from the bench under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
The Netherlands international was signed in a £35million deal from Ajax in August 2020 but has struggled to nail down a regular spot in the side.
That is despite United’s consistent issues in midfield, with doubts over the long-term futures of Fred, Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.
It is understood that the desire to negotiate a deal has come from Van de Beek’s side, having tried to leave the club in the summer transfer window.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Solskjaer persuaded the centre midfielder to stay put and fight for his place before the Norwegian was sacked in late November, but first-team opportunities were far and few between.
Van de Beek scored the final goal of Solskjaer’s reign, but he has been even less prominent in the squad under interim boss Rangnick, managing just 19 minutes of action in 2022 despite being fully fit.
The report suggests that United would be happy with keeping Van de Beek, considering the Red Devils have had several games postponed due to Covid outbreaks.
But the player is keen to leave the club in search of regular first-team football to resurrect his career and ensure he does not miss out on the Netherlands squad for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Patrick Vieira: The Crystal Palace boss is keen to add to his squad (Image: Getty Images)
Rangnick has praised Van de Beek’s work in training, but admitted the player has made clear his concerns over his lack of game time.
"He works hard in every training session. He is a team player through and through,” he said in January.
“There will be games where he will get his chance to play, I am sure.
"I also had a long conversation with him last week about that and again, of course it is difficult for him right now because he also wants to play for the Dutch national team.
Donny van de Beek: The Dutch midfielder is yet to start a Premier League game this season (Image: Getty Images/Manchester United FC)
"He wants to qualify for himself and play in the World Cup in Qatar.
"In order to do that he needs to get game time here. But I still believe we should keep him, and he should stay here, definitely until the end of this season and try to get as much game time as he possibly can.”