Crystal Palace are favourites to sign prolific young Blackburn striker Adam Armstrong – if they meet Mowbray’s valuation

Crystal Palace have reportedly emerged as favourites to sign Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong – with his club admitting they have a price and if the Eagles meet that valuation, he can go.

The 24-year-old has scored 49 goals in 160 appearances for Rovers, since signing from Newcastle United in 2018 for a fee estimated to be £1.75million.

Norwich, Southampton and Watford have all made offers for Armstrong, the Mail reports. But Palace, despite having an initial bid rejected, are understood to be the player’s preferred choice and are in advanced talks.

Blackburn want £20million for Armstrong, who scored 29 goals last season and has represented England at every youth level up to U21.

Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray asked if Armstrong was in his plans to face Swansea this weekend, said: “Very much, he’s trained every day. You have to put into context that Adam is a young guy and is at a turning point in his life. He’s just got married in the summer – his life is at a juncture.

“I talk to Adam a lot. He’s not banged on my door asking to leave. He’s a very respectful young guy.  I think he knows this club have been good for him, but he’s been kept fully informed by his advisors and by the football club, myself and Steve Waggott – who’s made bids and what’s going on.

“Adam knows the number, everyone has a valuation and I don’t think we’re being unrealistic. I’ve said to Adam that if they meet the number he can go, and we’ll shake him by the hand and wish him well and the football club will move on and hopefully we can find a replacement that can make fans forget Adam pretty quickly and he can go and be successful somewhere else, but there’s going to be a new hero around the corner.”