The Imps have been linked with a loan move for Crystal Palace striker John-Kymani Gordon, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The 19-year-old is a highly-rated prospect at Selhurst Park, and has been named in the Palace squad for Premier League games this season. He’s been on fire for the under 23s, scoring 11 times in his first eight games, earning the September Premier League 2 Player of the Month award, and the November Goal of the Month award.
The striker recently penned a new deal with the Eagles and joined the first-team squad on their recent training tour of Turkey, playing against Napoli and Trabzonspor and coming on against the Brazilian side Botafogo during the winter break. After penning the deal, the Eagles’ academy director Gary Issott said: “John has worked consistently hard for over a decade at this club, and the recognition he’s had this year is a reward for that. He’s really enjoying his football in the Premier League 2 and is being given invaluable experience by the first-team manager.”
We’re not alone in our pursuit – London side Leyton Orient are another team hunting his signature, along with fellow League Two side Carlisle. In our division, MK Dons and Burton are both reported to be interested, as well as us. It’s an interesting rumour – we certainly need to add to our striking options, but it’s difficult to bring a headliner in during the winter window, as players are still under contract. We’ve had mixed results with loan strikers – Liam Cullen and Dan N’Lundulu struggled, whilst Morgan Rogers did relatively well.
It also raises a question over the future of Jordon Garrick at the club. Garrick has been restricted to a few minutes here and there, mainly due to injury, but after a strong debut against Forest Green, he’s become nothing more than a bit-part player. Perhaps the fact we’re chasing another striker means his deal with the club will be cut short? I can’t see us going into the final half of the season with Virtue, Diamond and Rushworth in the playing squad, but Tashan, Garrick and another on the sidelines – it doesn’t make business sense or squad sense.
Also, lets not forget we were linked with another Palace youngster, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, in the summer, but missed out to a London club.