Martin Hinteregger during his time with FC Augsburg. (Getty Images)
According to claims from German outlet Bild, Crystal Palace are set to rival Eintracht Frankfurt in the race to sign Augsburg defender Martin Hinteregger.
Hinteregger spent the second half of this past season on loan at Frankfurt from fellow Bundesliga outfit Augsburg and the 26-year-old was one of the most influential figures in the club’s wonderful run in the Europa League, which ended in the semi-finals at the hands of eventual champions Chelsea.
Now, Bild suggests that Frankfurt are keen to make the Austrian international’s stay permanent, with reports claiming that Adi Hutter’s side are willing to pay €10 million for that purpose.
However, Augsburg are looking for a fee of around €15 million to part ways with their prized asset and it remains to be seen how Frankfurt alter their stance in response to that sort of asking price.
Martin Hinteregger’s situation has put Premier League outfit Crystal Palace on red alert and the Eagles are seemingly interested in capitalising on the imminent availability of the experienced centre-back this summer. The 26-year-old made a total of 41 appearances in all competitions for the likes of Augsburg and Frankfurt combined, scoring on four occasions.
A youth product of Austrian heavyweights Red Bull Salzburg, Hinteregger spent seven seasons in the Austrian top-flight with his boyhood club and made a total of 212 appearances before joining Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach on loan in 2016. The 26-year-old earned a permanent move to Germany with Augsburg and established himself as one of the key players at the back for his new club in due course of time.
Hinteregger has registered a total of 83 appearances for Augsburg in all competitions over the course of two-and-a-half seasons but he might end up in England ahead of the upcoming season, with Crystal Palace interested in taking him to the Premier League.
With a wealth of Bundesliga and Europa League experience, the 39-cap Austrian international has an attractive profile, and at 26, he is very in his prime years as a centre-back. Hinteregger has carved out a reputation for himself in Germany and Palace’s links with the defender should come as a piece of welcome news to the fans at Selhurst Park.
To put things into perspective, Crystal Palace are currently not crying out for defensive reinforcements but the Eagles should look to bring in upgrades on their existing options in all areas of the pitch. The South Londoners capped off this past season in the Premier League with a decent-enough defensive record, having shipped 51 goals in 38 games.
While manager Roy Hodgson is unlikely to be too unhappy with that, Palace are at risk of losing the services of right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has been courted heavily by a number of top clubs, including Man United and Spurs (h/t Metro).
Hinteregger’s arrival would hardly have anything to do with that but the Austrian could prove to be a massive upgrade on the error-prone Mamadou Sakho at the heart of the defence.
Former West Ham man James Tomkins was arguably the pick of the central defenders at Selhurst Park this past season, whilst Sakho reminded the fans once again that he is capable of letting the team down with occasional lapses in concentration and some bizarre defensive errors.
Ex-Liverpool star Martin Kelly penned a new deal with Palace a few months back but veteran Scott Dann has been linked with a move to Newcastle United in recent weeks and the 32-year-old’s departure could possibly leave Palace short of cover at the back. (h/t Sun)
Even if Palace retain all their existing options, someone like Hinteregger has the experience and the qualities to be an upgrade on the likes of Sakho, Tomkins, Kelly and Dann.
With Zaha heavily linked with a move elsewhere and Christian Benteke and Connor Wickham failing to deliver the goods, attacking reinforcements are likely to be high on Hodgson’s recruitment list for the summer, but bringing in a top-quality centre-back also makes a lot of sense.
Fearless on the tackle, strong in the air, quick across the ground and blessed with a good understanding of the game at the back, Hinteregger looks very much capable of making the step up to the Premier League. Given that he is only 26, Palace have every reason to look at him as a long-term solution in a bid to add more depth and steel to their backline.
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Considering the financial muscle of the Premier League clubs and keeping in mind how important a role the Austrian could go on to play for the Eagles, Crystal Palace should leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of the Bundesliga defensive beast this summer.