Crystal Palace ‘step up’ pursuit of Derby County attacker

Crystal Palace have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Derby County teenage sensation Luke Plange.

Plange, born in Kingston, joined the Rams in 2021 after coming through the Arsenal academy.

The Derby attacker, who signed for the Gunners in 2008, scored in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Birmingham City.

The Mail are reporting that Palace thought they could prise Plange away from Pride Park for a cut-price fee of around £300,000.

They add that the Derby administrators believe his valuation is in the region of seven figures.

The Eagles would be prepared to loan the 19-year-old back to Derby but that is complicated by the fact the Championship club are under a transfer embargo.