Swansea City, Crystal Palace in for Tunisian defender Ali Maaloul?

Premier League duo Swansea City and Crystal Palace could go head to head in the race to sign Al Ahly defender Ali Maaloul, according to a report.

The two sides are said to have shown an interest in the Tunisia international - valued at just £3m - after sending scouts to watch him up close.

Maaloul is known as an attacking left-back, scoring 16 goals during the 2015-16 campaign while with CS Sfaxien to set a new record for goals scored by a defender in Tunisia's top flight.

The Sun suggests that Swansea and Palace are preparing bids for the 28-year-old this month, potentially driving up his valuation.

Neither Swansea nor Palace have yet brought in any new recruits during the January transfer window.