Crystal Palace 'rival Atletico Madrid for French youngster'

Crystal Palace are reportedly set to rival Atletico Madrid in the race to sign promising Angers defender Rayan Ait-Nouri.

The 18-year-old, who is managed by super agent Jorge Mendes, has played 15 times already this season for the club who are currently eighth in Ligue 1.

The player's current deal with Angers runs until 2021, and L'Equipe reports that his impressive performances have attracted interest from both England and Spain.

It is believed that the France Under-21 international would cost somewhere in the region of £25m given the length of his contract and his clear talent.

Palace boss Roy Hodgson has openly spoken about wanting four or five reinforcements in this transfer window and he has already added Turkish striker Cenk Tosun on loan from Everton.