Palace plan to poach Willian

Crystal Palace are planning to poach Willian after the Brazilian winger rejected Fulham’s offer of a new contract, according to Teamtalk.

The 34 year-old former Chelsea and Arsenal wide man is talking to other Premier League clubs after being unimpressed with Fulham’s proposed one-year deal with an option for a further twelve months. Willian felt the quality of his performances since moving to Craven Cottage in September merited a longer contract and he will not be short of offers from English sides. Willian has told the press in homeland that he would be open to staying in SW6 were the Whites to return with a more attractive proposal, but Marco Silva now has to plan for the forthcoming season without a player who became talismanic last term.

Willian, who cancelled his Corinthians contract after receiving death threats, scored five goals and contributed six assists in thirty appearances for the Cottagers, who finished tenth on their return to the top flight and reached the quarter finals of the FA Cup. The veteran winger has authorised his representatives to open negotiations with other interested parties, although he wants to remain in England.

Former Fulham manager Roy Hodgson waxed lyrical about Willian’s display in the Whites 3-0 win at Palace on Boxing Day when he was working as a pundit for BT Sport and he is now keen to sign the Brazilian international. The Eagles would offer Willian the chance to stay in London and the prospect of regular Premier League football.