Crystal Palace Accelerate £50m Striker Deal as Leeds United Plot Late Hijack
In a dramatic twist to the January transfer window, Crystal Palace are making significant progress towards securing the signature of Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen for a reported fee of £50 million. This development comes amidst growing speculation that Jean-Philippe Mateta could be departing Selhurst Park, creating an urgent need for attacking reinforcement.
Palace's Swift Move for Wolves Forward
According to multiple reports emerging on Thursday morning, Crystal Palace have improved their proposal to Wolves and are now in advanced negotiations to bring the Norwegian international to London. The Athletic's David Ornstein has indicated that the two clubs are "close to agreement" on the substantial transfer, which would represent a major statement of intent from Oliver Glasner's side.
This accelerated pursuit follows earlier reports from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed that Crystal Palace had "improved their proposal to sign Jørgen Strand-Larsen from Wolves" with talks underway with the player's representatives. The potential departure of Mateta, who is attracting interest from Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Juventus, appears to have catalysed Palace's determination to secure their primary striking target.
Leeds United Remain in Contention Despite Valuation Gap
While Crystal Palace appear to be leading the race, Leeds United maintain serious interest in the 24-year-old forward and could yet launch a dramatic late intervention. The Yorkshire club have already seen multiple bids rejected this month, including an initial £33 million offer and subsequent approaches that reached £40 million.
Sources suggest Leeds United now recognise they are just £10 million short of Wolves' valuation and are considering selling several first-team players to fund an improved bid. Among those potentially available are:
- Joe Gelhardt
- Joel Piroe
- Jack Harrison
- Mateo Joseph
- Largie Ramazani
- Isaac Schmidt
Wolves' Stance on Their Struggling Striker
Despite Strand Larsen's relatively modest return of just one goal this season following his 14-goal Premier League campaign last term, Wolves manager Rob Edwards has maintained a firm position regarding the striker's future. Speaking after Leeds United's initial bid was rejected, Edwards emphasised:
"We're not under any pressure to sell at all. We want to try and be as strong as we can throughout this period now, so unless we feel it's the right thing for the football club, no-one will go."
The Wolves boss praised Strand Larsen's professionalism, noting he had "trained really well" and displayed "a really good attitude" despite the ongoing transfer speculation. This suggests Wolves are prepared to hold out for their full valuation rather than accept a compromise fee.
Strategic Implications for Both Pursuing Clubs
For Crystal Palace, securing Strand Larsen would represent a crucial piece of business as they seek to replace the potentially departing Mateta and strengthen their attacking options for the second half of the season. The £50 million investment would signal their ambition to compete at a higher level in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Leeds United face a critical decision about whether to commit additional resources to what has become an increasingly expensive pursuit. The potential need to sell multiple players to fund the deal adds complexity to their transfer strategy, particularly with the window closing imminently.
As negotiations continue, the coming hours will determine whether Crystal Palace can complete their swift capture of the Wolves striker or whether Leeds United can mount a successful late hijack to bring Strand Larsen to Elland Road instead.
