Crystal Palace have been encouraged in their pursuit of Leicester City midfielder Boubakary Soumare.

The Eagles have made the French midfielder their first choice to fill the gap left by Conor Gallagher's return to Chelsea, with little chance of the England star returning on loan, says The Sun.

AS Monaco were preparing to make a £17million offer but are pulling out after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

The Foxes would prefer to sell Soumare, 23, but could now accept a loan with a view to buy deal this week.

Palace boss Patrick Vieira is a huge admirer of the player, who has struggled since signing from Lille for £17m last year.