Pardew looking to buy “quality” for Crystal Palace in the summer
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Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew wants to bring quality into Selhurst Park this summer, after being linked with France international trio Loic Remy, Yohan Cabaye and Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda in recent years.
The Eagles are 40/1 with Coral to win the Capital One Cup, though should they recruit adequately the club could well challenge the best next term.
When asked who he sees as competitors, Pardew said: “Newcastle, Aston Villa, Everton and maybe even Spurs. While we cannot compete with some of those clubs in terms of budgets, we can look to attract the kind of players they are also in the market for.
“If we could add that kind of quality of player to this current group, then we have a chance to push on.”
Having taken charge halfway through the season, Pardew turned the club’s fortunes around, and they transitioned into an attractive, attacking proposition, utilising athleticism and pace.
Players like Yannick Bolasie, Fraizer Campbell, Wilfried Zaha and Dwight Gayle started causing clubs considerable problems, while club captain Mile Jedinak led by example.
Pardew has said that when it comes to recruitment of players, he will have a key role. “You have to have tactical plans to get a deal over the line,” he continued.
“I have to be involved in negotiations because players have to buy into me and what I want from them if they join my club, so all managers need to be fully involved in transfers, that’s for sure.”
The advantage for Pardew is that Cabaye and Remy both played arguably their best football under the former Magpies manager at St James’ Park.
If this leads to landing the duo, it will set a precedent for further transfers this summer, which may well see more quality come through the door and act as assurances to key players who have been linked away from the club.
