Crystal Palace Ready to Challenge Tottenham Over Ryan Fraser Signing
By Lee Bushe
Crystal Palace have entered the race to sign Bournemouth's Ryan Fraser on a free transfer this summer, amid reports that Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho is uncertain about completing a deal for him.
Fraser, who has been with with the Cherries since they were in League One, has been a key player for Bournemouth in their Premier League era - racking up 120 top-flight appearances, scoring 16 goals and making 29 assists. He isn't expected to stay at Dean Court beyond the end of his contract this summer, however, leading to interest from other Premier League clubs.
One of those clubs is Tottenham, though according to the Daily Express, Mourinho isn't quite convinced that Fraser has enough quality to succeed at a top six club.
Tottenham's north London rivals Arsenal are also reported to be losing interest in signing the Scot.
Palace have emerged as a possible destination for Fraser should he leave Bournemouth. Roy Hodgson - who has been promised reinforcements to his Eagles squad for next season - is a big admirer of the player.
Palace are hoping that they can lure Fraser to Selhurst Park with the promise of regular football, something which Tottenham might not be able to give him.
Bournemouth are still holding out hope that Fraser decides to stay in Dorset, though these hopes could be dashed if the Cherries are relegated at the end of the season. Eddie Howe's side currently occupy 18th place and look set for a relegation dogfight if the season is continued.
Fraser has made over 200 appearances for Bournemouth since joining from Aberdeen in 2013, and was a member of their Championship winning side in 2014/15. He is also a Scottish international, having earned 11 caps since his first call-up in 2017.