Crystal Palace and Brighton have offered the “world-class” striker as a way out of the club’s green light

Crystal Palace and rivals Brighton have been offered the chance to sign a striker as the summer transfer window approaches.

Summer at the Palace begins, and the desire is clear.

The Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig on Wednesday night represents the most important game in the club’s history, but behind the scenes the recruitment team has been working hard no matter what happens in Germany.

The management situation is always a very pressing issue.

Andoni Iraola is the Palace board’s top reference, but Bayer Leverkusen’s reliably reported interest in the Bournemouth manager has made things even more difficult.

Talks have been held with the former coach of Flamengo, Filipe Luis (talkSPORT), and Robbie Keane’s decision to withdraw from Ferencvaros earlier this week has also linked him with the Palace manager who was identified as a candidate in February.

Oliver Glasner will be leaving after the finals, and whoever replaces him will inherit a team that needs significant work.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is reportedly set to join AC Milan on a permanent basis, with Corriere dello Sport describing talks as “at a very high level.”

That move will leave a gap up front that needs to be filled quickly.

Now, the word has landed on Steve Parish’s desk, and it carries important credentials.

Crystal Palace and Brighton have offered Jonathan David on loan

According to Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk, consultants working on behalf of Jonathan David have contacted Crystal Palace and Brighton among a number of Premier League clubs to gauge interest in a loan deal for the Juventus striker.

The 26-year-old ‘world-class’ player is available for a short-term move this summer after a disappointing first season in Turin, with Juventus open to a loan structure that could include an option or obligation to buy.

David arrived at Juventus on a free transfer from Lille last July, signing a five-year contract until 2030 after being wanted by half of Europe.

His pedigree was unquestionable – 109 goals in 232 games for Lille over five seasons, 75 games and 39 goals in Canada, and a reputation as one of the most clinical finishers outside the Premier League.

But his first campaign in Serie A fell flat. Eight goals in all competitions – six in the league, two in the Champions League – from 34 games represents a significant drop, and Juventus have already begun to reshape their forward line.

For Palace, the appeal is obvious.

If Mateta leaves, a proven international striker with David’s movement, versatility and goalscoring – even accounting for a difficult year – could represent a significant improvement over the alternatives available on the market.

The loan structure minimizes financial risk, and David’s desire to test himself in the Premier League is understandable.

Brighton’s interest adds to competition from a club with a well-established record of identifying and developing attacking talent. Fabian Hurzeler’s team can also offer a chance for Europa League football – an important card to play in any negotiations.

Palace, who sit in 15th place, cannot match that at home, but if they win in Leipzig on Wednesday they will go into next season’s Europa League group stage, completely changing the field.

This is why the latter is important beyond the cup itself. European football changes everything – employment, income, quality of player willing to walk through the door.

David is the type of signing that could happen if the club can deliver a continental championship. Outside of it, the Palace is fishing in a small lake.