The Crystal Palace squad is set to undergo a major overhaul in the upcoming transfer window as they look to build upon their impressive start to life in the Premier League.
Under new manager Patrick Vieira, the Eagles have already made some key signings, with the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke joining from Arsenal and West Brom respectively. However, there is still plenty of work to be done if Palace are to challenge for European football next season.
One area where the club could use some reinforcements is at the heart of the defence. The likes of Scott Dann and James Tomkins have both struggled for form this season, while the injury-hit Joel Ward has also been out for much of the campaign.
With that in mind, Palace will need to strengthen their defence ahead of the crucial run-in to the season. One player who could fit the bill is Ben White, who has impressed in his loan spell at Fulham and is expected to become a regular for the Cottagers next season.
White is a versatile defender who can play either at centre-back or right-back, making him a useful addition to any team's defensive line-up. He would bring a fresh approach to the Crystal Palace defence and provide cover for the injured Joel Ward, ensuring that the Eagles' backline remains strong throughout the final few games of the season.
In addition to White, Palace could also target other additions to bolster their midfield options. With the departure of Jordan Ayew to West Ham United, the Eagles will need to find a replacement for the Ghanaian international, and there are several players who could fill that role.
One option is Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Chelsea but has struggled to establish himself in the first-team since returning from a loan spell at Crystal Palace. If Palace can secure his services on a permanent basis, he could provide competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the midfield.
Overall, it looks like the Crystal Palace squad will require some significant changes in order to compete with the bigger clubs in the Premier League. However, with the right recruitment, the Eagles could be well placed to challenge for silverware come May.