Crystal Palace look set to make their first move of the January transfer window with their reported interest in Dundee United defender Kerr Smith ramping up in recent days.
Football Scotland understands that the Eagles are interested in bringing the teenager to Selhurst Park to play with their Under-23s, who currently compete in the Premier League Two Division One.
A host of Premier League sides are said to be interested in 17-year-old Smith, with any club interested in signing him needing to pay United a fee to acquire his services.
Smith's natural position is as a centre-back but he has also played at right-back for Tam Courts' side, with whom he has made 12 senior appearances since making debut last season against Rangers.
The youngster has previously had trials at Aston Villa and Manchester United, but signed a professional contract with Dundee United after turning 16 in 2020.
Should he join the Eagles' ranks, he'll face a lot of talented competition in trying to reach the first team.
Crystal Palace already have another former Tangerines youth player on their books in Scott Banks. The striker has impressed since his arrival and managed to get minutes for Vieira's first team during pre-season.
The south London club also have a long list of defenders that have come through their youth set-up and become top-flight professionals, with Nathaniel Clyne, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and currently left-back Tyrick Mitchell all treading the same path.
Jake O'Brien and Jay Rich-Baghuelou are currently the centre-backs most widely tipped to make the step up into Vieira's first team next, while right-back David Boateng and current first team player Nathan Ferguson are seen as potential long-term replacements to Joel Ward.
