Crystal Palace have reportedly moved ahead of Real Madrid in the race to sign goalkeeper David Soria
The Getafe stopper was ever-present for the third time in his spell with the club last season, playing all 38 matches as the side narrowly avoided the drop.
Soria was one of the busier goalkeepers in the division but starred in notable results against Barcelona and Sevilla during the run-in.
Marca claims that Palace are prepared to pay the €12m (£10.3m) release clause in his contract, and would be expected to come in as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Palace have dealt with Getafe for a goalkeeper previously, when signing Vicente Guaita in 2018.
Guaita has gone on to be on the Eagles’ undisputed number one for five seasons, but injuries last season saw him eventually lose his place to Sam Johnstone for the final few games of the season.
Football Insider now claims that the 36-year-old could be on his way out this summer, with the player unwilling to be second-choice, as well as having just one year left on his contract.
Real Madrid have also been linked, but are seemingly reluctant to pay Soria’s release clause, given that he would only have a bit-part role at the club.
Soria would play as backup to Thibaut Courtois, and come in to replace Andriy Lunin as the number two with the Ukrainian’s contract set to expire in 12 months’ time.
The report states that club president Florentino Perez would prefer Lunin to leave this summer, but the player is digging his heels in to run down his contract.
Soria is a Madrid native, and moving back home could be tempting for the 30-year-old, but Palace currently lead the way.
Additions in attack have been predominantly on the agenda at Selhurst Park this summer, as Demarai Gray and Matheus Franca continue to be linked.
The Spanish stopper would become just Palace’s second signing of the summer should a deal go ahead though, after Jefferson Lerma joined on a free transfer earlier this summer.
Nottingham Forest are also believed to be interested in Soria, but still hold hopes of securing a deal to sign Dean Henderson from Manchester United.
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