Ibrahim Amadou watched by Crystal Palace after failed second bid

Crystal Palace sent a personal representative of club chairman Steve Parish to Lille to watch transfer target Ibrahim Amadou in action against Strasbourg, according to Sky sources.

Amadou, 24, put in a man-of-the-match performance in central midfield as Lille beat Strasbourg 2-1 at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Crystal Palace had an improved bid in excess of £16m for Ibrahim Amadou turned down by Lille earlier this week.

The Eagles had a £16m bid for the Cameroon defender turned down earlier in January, according to Sky sources, and also held talks with Lille a year ago for the 24-year-old.

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Palace have tried to sign Amadou on loan but Lille prefer a permanent move.

Sky Sports News understands Amadou is valued at about £20m but Lille's financial problems mean they would sell for less.

The Ligue 1 side need to raise €25m to avoid potential relegation to Ligue 2 for breaking French financial fair play rules.

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