Timothy Castagne has established himself as a key figure for Atalanta (Getty Images)
According to a report from Het Nieuwsblad, Atalanta defender Timothy Castagne’s father has hinted that the Belgian international could be interested in a move to Crystal Palace this summer.
Timothy Castagne, 23, was an integral member of the Atalanta side which qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history this season. He impressed throughout the campaign under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini in Bergamo.
However, the Belgian full-back’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed and he has emerged as a target for several clubs in Europe. Crystal Palace are also one of the clubs interested in signing him, as Roy Hodgson apparently looks to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a transfer target for Manchester United, who are rebuilding their squad under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this summer. Defence is likely to be a priority and right-back perhaps even more so for the Reds following the departure of Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young’s dismal performances in the second half of the last campaign.
Crystal Palace are under no pressure to sell the 21-year-old, who is contracted at the club until 2022. Wan-Bissaka has quickly established his ever-improving reputation as one of the league’s best fullbacks in 2018/19. And as per the latest reports from Sky Sports, Wan-Bissaka favours a move to Manchester United.
That being said, it would definitely be tough to keep hold of the 21-year-old, who apparently has made up his mind to join Solskjaer’s United. It has been claimed that Palace would not consider an offer of less than £50m. Knowing that the player wants an exit, Hodgson and the south London club would be wise to consider selling Wan-Bissaka and replace him with Timothy Castagne.
Castagne enjoyed a strong second half of the last campaign with Atalanta, predominantly featuring as a left wing-back for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side. He finished the season with five goals and two assists, thriving in the Italian tactician’s attacking system.
The 23-year-old operates with a lot of pace, energy and flair, always willing to take on his marker and beat him. He is physically strong and works really hard for his team, whilst his versatility of playing on both sides of the defence would make him a handy player to have for Roy Hodgson.
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Castagne is also a good crosser of the ball and aside from his attacking qualities, the Belgian full-back is also defensively sound. He would perfectly fit into Hodgson’s counter-attacking system at Selhurst Park.
Het Nieuwsblad reports that Castagne would be available for around €20 million and in today’s age and market that would actually represent superb value for money for Crystal Palace.