Crystal Palace are already making plans for the January transfer window with a touted swoop for West Brom defender Nathan Ferguson.

The 18-year-old starlet has been an ever-present for Slaven Bilic's side this season, impressing at right and left-back despite being predominantly a centre half.

It was no secret that the Eagles were looking for a right back following the £50million departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Manchester United four months ago, but summer moves failed to materialise.

West Brom are thought to be keen to hand the England under-20 international a new long-term deal but having missed out on a number of targets in the summer and armed with a hefty war-chest thanks to Wan-Bissaka’s sale, it’s thought Palace are ready to pounce.

News Shopper:

With no replacement arriving, Palace sporting director Dougie Freeman will look to do business early in January and has been seen at The Hawthorns, running the rule over Birmingham-born Ferguson who can play across the backline.

Chelsea’s Reece James and Liverpool’s former Eagle Nathaniel Clyne were both touted possibilities in the summer, but having failed to land a specialist right-back, Joel Ward has filled the void – with some success.

The former Portsmouth man scored in Palace’s 1-1 draw with Wolves on Sunday and is expected to keep the shirt as they welcome Norwich to Selhurst Park.

READ:Crystal Palace 1 Wolves 1: Five things we learned

READ:Hodgson despondent after Crystal Palace concede late Wolves strike