PALACE are set to miss out on the signing of Swansea City's Flynn Downes as the midfielder seems set to sign for West Ham.
The club has thought a deal for the 23-year-old was completed and were preparing to include his name on future marketing promotions.
However, after talks stalled, the Hammers made their move and agreed to a £9 million deal with add-ons with Swansea City and now the player is already doing his medical with the club.
This will be a blow to Palace's transfer plans as manager Patrick Vieira has been desperately trying to sign a new midfielder with the likes of Cheick Doucouré from Lens and Joe Aribo from Rangers on their wishlist.
But deals for those two have been hard to get wrapped up, leaving the club without a replacement for Conor Gallagher who has returned to Chelsea following the end of his loan spell.
Palace are still favourites to sign Doucoure but must sort out the player's work permit after they agreed to a fee of £18 million with Lens
The club have completed deals for two players so far this summer, signing promising youngster Malcolm Ebiowei from Derby County and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on a free transfer.
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