SKY SPORTS: Crystal Palace lead the race for 21-goal Ligue 1 striker, Brandon Williams To a 5 Year Deal

 Crystal Palace lead the race for 21-goal Ligue 1 striker, Brandon Williams

Transfer news and rumours today: Crystal Palace lead the race for 21-goal Ligue 1 striker, Brandon Williams set for Man United reunion in Turkey

Crystal Palace are reportedly leading the race for Nice striker Evann Guessand.

The 24-year-old was in impressive form for his Ligue 1 club during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 13 goals and registering 10 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions.

Guessand managed 12 goals and nine assists in Ligue 1 last term, and he is believed to be on the radar of a number of clubs due to his form last term.

However, according to Sporting News, Palace are firmly at the head of the queue for the striker, who came through the youth system at Nice before making his first-team debut in 2020.

The report claims that there is interest from Germany, Spain and Turkey, but Palace are in an excellent position when it comes to a deal, with personal terms not expected to be a problem.

Guessand, who has scored 21 times in 109 appearances for Nice, is a a 10-time Ivory Coast international, but he played for France at Under-16s, Under-17s, Under-18s and Under-19s level.

Meanwhile, Besiktas manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly considering a move for former Manchester United defender Brandon Williams, who is available on a free transfer.

Williams was released by Man United in June 2024 after spending the second half of the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Ipswich Town in the Championship.

The 24-year-old has therefore spent a year out of the game, but he is now ready to return, and according to The Sun, Besiktas are viewed as genuine contenders for his signature.

Solskjaer handed Williams his Man United debut during his time in the Old Trafford dug-out, and it is understood that the pair have kept in touch.

Williams was a highly-rated left-back during his time at Man United, progressing through the youth academy before debuting for the Red Devils in 2019.

The Englishman made 51 appearances for the 20-time English champions, with his most productive campaign coming in 2019-20, when he featured on 36 occasions in all competitions.