Vieira raids Derby County for Nigerian youngster

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira is teeing up a second swoop for one of Wayne Rooney’s Rams rookies, Nigeria born Malcolm Ebiowei.

The 18-year-old England youth cap is a free agent at the end of his breakthrough season at Rams.

And the teenager alerted has plenty of clubs with his skill and speed.

Palace have made a decisive move, however, and wants to land Ebiowei from the Rams just as they did with Luke Plange, 19, another ex-Arsenal academy prospect.

Boss Vieira sees the pair as long-term prospects and may look to loan them out next term.

But Ebiowei could have an opening to force his way into the Frenchman’s first-team plans if Palace do not pick up Jordan Ayew’s one-year option.

Palace also want to extend Conor Gallagher’s loan from Chelsea - while they may move for his teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Gallagher, 22, joined the Eagles on a season-long loan last summer and has shone for them under Patrick Vieira.

The star has scored eight goals and produced three assists in the Premier League and his performances have led to an England call-up.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has been hugely impressed and is considering promoting him to the first-team at Stamford Bridge next term.

However, he would be battling the likes of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount for a place in the jam-packed midfield.

Loftus-Cheek has recently enjoyed a revival at the Blues, playing a number of different positions, and is hoping to secure more regular action.