Why Crystal Palace signing teenager Scott Banks could be a smart move
According to a report by The Sun, Scottish teenager Scott Banks has rejected a new contract deal with Dundee United, with premier league side Crystal Palace plotting a move to bring the youngster to Selhurst Park.
18-year-old Banks, whose contract ends this summer, has opted to not extend his deal with the Terrors.
Dundee have been doing well in the Scottish Championship as they sit on top with 9 wins from 12 games.
Banks, who has been under Palace’s trail for some months now, has not featured in any games under manager Robbie Nielson. He last appeared on the bench in September.
Palace signing this young homegrown sensation, who had impressed earlier last season with Scottish League One side Clyde FC, scoring one goal and three assists, would add more depth to their squad.
Future investment
Attacking midfielder Banks, still in his teens, without a doubt, would be a future investment for the London club.
With some professional experience already under his belt, Palace could be a good grooming ground for Scottish talent.
With an aged midfield which includes the likes of James McCarthy (28) and James McArthur (32), Banks’ arrival will bolster Roy Hodgson’s side’s options in the midfield.
Cost-effective
The Eagles’ decision to pursue a youngster rather than some established star would, in a way, be a cost-effective approach.
Unlike big clubs spending big bucks on players with no guarantee of desired results, in Banks, Palace won’t be splashing unnecessary cash.
Even if he fails to deliver, being a premier league player would definitely add value to the player, thereby giving them a good chance to offload him.
Versatility
A versatile player, Banks could provide more options to Hodgson if his current squad fails to impress.
Though the youngster prefers an attacking midfield role, he can gel into any spot in the midfield, as he has proven in the past with Dundee and Clyde FC.
He mostly played in the left midfield role at both these clubs. Banks is comfortable playing as a winger on both flanks too.
Squad depth
With Banks in the squad, Hodgson could have more depth in his ranks. A midfield involving Andros Townsend, Cheikhou Kouyate, and James McArthur is yet to be completely fit and would take time to come back.
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Bank’s inclusion now would be an added bonus as it would offer more competition and options to choose from for the 72-year-old manager.