Crystal Palace have reportedly not given up on trying to re-sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United.
After impressing during the early stages of his professional career at Selhurst Park, the defender was allowed to move to Old Trafford in 2019 for a fee which could reach £50m.
Although the former England Under-21 international initially impressed at the Theatre of Dreams, he barely featured in the first team between April and November last year.
That led to frequent speculation that United head coach Erik ten Hag would be happy to sell the 25-year-old during the January transfer window.
However, Wan-Bissaka has since kick-started his career, taking advantage of Diogo Dalot returning from the World Cup with an injury to produce the best form of his United career.
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Wan-Bissaka has now made 13 starts and five substitute outings during 2022-23, and moving up the pecking order ended any chance of a reunion with Palace at the midway point of the campaign.
The Eagles were said to be ready to make a sustained approach for a player who would cost considerably less than what they received for his signature three-and-a-half years ago.
Despite missing out at the turn of the year, Football Insider suggests that Patrick Vieira and the club's hierarchy continue to monitor any developments with Wan-Bissaka's future.
As it stands, the player has 16 months remaining on his contract at United, who possess the option to extend those terms by a further 12 months.
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With Wan-Bissaka now regarded as a key player by Ten Hag, it appears highly likely that the clause will be activated in due course, while the possibility remains that fresh terms could be offered.
Nevertheless, United have been linked with alternative right-backs in recent months at a time when Dalot also has only 16 months left on his existing deal.
Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries and Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong are both said to be on the shortlist of the Premier League giants.
Much may depend on whether Wan-Bissaka can maintain his current form as United remain in the hunt for four pieces of silverware, the first being earned on Sunday as they defeated Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final.
Darren Plant
