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Medical scheduled: Crystal Palace on verge of signing UCL-level free agent

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With a medical now scheduled, Crystal Palace are reportedly set to get their summer transfer business underway by signing a Champions League-level free agent.

Crystal Palace awaiting Europa League verdict

It looked as though Crystal Palace could be in for arguably their most exciting summer ever after qualifying for the Europa League by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final. That joy has quickly turned into potential heartbreak, however, with John Textor's involvement in the club throwing the Eagles' European place into doubt.

UEFA has rules in place against owners holding stakes in multiple clubs in the same competition. This means that Textor's share in both Lyon and Palace could see the South London club given the boot. As per the rules, they could also be refused a place in the Europa Conference League due to David Blitzer's share in both Brondby and Crystal Palace.

It has sparked quite the debate and one that Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest have attempted to weigh in on by writing to UEFA about potentially taking Palace's Europa League place. The Midlands club qualified for the Europa Conference League but would move up to the Europa League if Palace were to lose out.

Those at Selhurst Park are insisting that they are an entity which operates individually and Textor, himself, has reiterated just how little involvement he has at the club in the past, saying: "As proud as we are to have been a part of the resurgence of Crystal Palace, it remains true that Crystal Palace is an independent club, run by a man with a steady hand, who has achieved a level of sustainability that is incredibly uncommon in today's Premier League."

Crystal Palace now ahead of Leeds in race to sign £20m Championship ace

Crystal Palace are now leading the charge to sign an attacking midfielder from the EFL.

Nonetheless, with or without European football, the Eagles have reportedly pushed on in pursuit of their summer targets and look likely to commence their business in the face of potential heartbreak.

Crystal Palace set to sign Walter Benitez

According to The Athletic's Matt Woosnam, Crystal Palace are now set to sign Walter Benitez on a free transfer following the end of his contract at PSV Eindhoven this summer. The Argentina goalkeeper is reportedly set to undergo a medical at the South London club, who have managed to fend off late interest from Everton to get their business underway.

A veteran shot-stopper who was playing Champions League football just last season, Benitez is expected to provide backup for Dean Henderson and could even challenge the Palace No.1 for his starting place next season.

The Argentine's arrival follows Matt Turner's return to Nottingham Forest to end his loan spell at Selhurst Park. Opening a space for a new option to deputise Henderson, Palace have chosen experience rather than an up-and-coming option.

At 32 years old, meanwhile, Benitez is set to step into the Premier League for the first time and could even get the chance to feature in the Europa League if Palace win their ongoing battle.

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