Report: Crystal Palace could bid for £3m defender compared to Rudiger after Chelsea recall Chalobah

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Crystal Palace have suffered a blow after Chelsea decided to recall Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at Selhurst Park.

The 25-year-old helped Crystal Palace bounce back from a woeful start to the season with three goals in his 12 Premier League appearances, leaving the Eagles 15th in the table upon his return to Stamford Bridge.

TBR Football understand Crystal Palace are now working to replace Chalobah as Oliver Glasner aims to maintain his squad depth in the centre-back department.

No specific names were provided to us by sources – although Africa Foot have now suggested that Ousmane Diao could replace Trevoh Chalobah at Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace could submit Ousmane Diao bid

The African news outlet now state that Crystal Palace have been left impressed by the Senegalese defender, with Dougie Freedman convinced by the 20-year-old’s potential.

Africa Foot claim that the Eagles – along with Fulham and Porto – have monitored Diao closely throughout the 2024/25 campaign, and could now make a bid for his signature having been left impressed.

The Ouakam-born defender only joined Midtjylland back in June, after the Danish giants paid Mafra a sum of €3m (£2.5m) for his services, but he has quickly risen to become one of the best in the Superliga.

Ousmane Diao has been compared to Antonio Rudiger

The Midtjylland No.4 is yet to become a household name across Europe despite his vast potential, so a comparison to a more popular player might help to give you an idea of how he plays.

Interestingly – according to Football Talent Scout – Diao plays like Antonio Rudiger.

It is said that the Crystal Palace target is comparable to the Real Madrid No.22 due to his physical dominance, specifically his pace and bravery in aerial duels.

If Diao is even 30% as talented as the Germany international, he would be worth picking up for Crystal Palace – especially with Chalobah now back at Chelsea.