Crystal Palace have become leaders with Manchester United in the race to sign Derby County youngster Malcolm Ebiowei this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
During a turbulent season for the Rams on and off the field, manager Wayne Rooney was largely restricted to a squad full of youngsters and experienced players on short-term contracts.
As a result, one of many young players to get their opportunity at Pride Park last season was Ebiowei, who went on to make 16 Championship appearances during the campaign, scoring one goal and registering two assists.
The 18-year-old impressed many with his pace and dribbling ability in the wide areas, but ultimately, Ebiowei and his teammates could not save Derby from relegation to League One.
With his contract in the East Midlands expiring at the end of June, it is expected that Ebiowei will leave the club in the coming weeks, and transfer expert Romano is reporting that Palace and United are leading the race for his signature.
Tweeting from his official Twitter account on Monday, Romano said: "Manchester United and Crystal Palace are leading the race to sign Derby County's Malcolm Ebiowei, talented striker born in 2003.
"Monaco asked for him too but he's expected to stay in Premier League - Man Utd and Palace are leading the race."
Despite featuring at youth level for both England and the Netherlands, Ebiowei is also eligible to play for Nigeria too, and arrived at Derby following a brief spell with Rangers, where he had joined after coming through the academy at Arsenal.
Matthew Tranter
