90min

Crystal Palace Eye Move for Vitesse Arnhem's Max Clark

By Mitch Wilks

Max Clark is being linked with a move back to England, with Crystal Palace interested
Max Clark is being linked with a move back to England, with Crystal Palace interested / Soccrates Images/Getty Images
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Crystal Palace have identified Vitesse Arnhem's Max Clark as a transfer target as they look to strengthen their left back options before the transfer window closes.

The Eagles have already concluded some impressive business this summer in an attempt to rejuvenate their ageing squad, but the left back position remains a weak spot with Patrick van Aanholt injured and inside the final 12 months of his contract.

Van Aanholt has been sidelined since July and has entered the final year of his contract
Van Aanholt has been sidelined since July and has entered the final year of his contract / Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

While youngster Tyrick Mitchell has impressed as first-choice so far this season, the Daily Mail report that Clark has been identified as a transfer target by Palace, with the club considering their options ahead of the deadline.

Palace are without an experienced left back after Van Aanholt suffered a dislocated shoulder against Manchester United towards the end of last season and is yet to return to action. The Dutchman's contract is set to expire next summer and he is also now 30 years old, meaning his best years are likely behind him.

Clark joined Vitesse in 2018 after rejecting a new deal at Hull City, where he had come through the academy ranks before spending two seasons on loan at Cambridge United. At just 24, the Englishman would be the ideal man to ease the workload on Mitchell and provide decent quality to the team without breaking the bank.

Clark would compete with young Tyrick Mitchell
Clark would compete with young Tyrick Mitchell / Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

Clark managed a goal and three assists from 29 appearances in all competitions last season for Vitesse and would further bolster the Eagles going forward as an attacking full back. He was loosely linked with Premier League champions Liverpool last year in their search for a backup left back ahead of this season, but they instead opted for Kostas Tsimikas.

Roy Hodgson's side have made significant efforts to lower the average age of the playing squad this summer, which was the oldest in the league last season. 22-year-old Eberechi Eze and 19-year-old Nathan Ferguson have injected youth and talent into the side, while 26-year-old Michy Batshuayi has also returned to the club on a second loan spell from Chelsea.