According to French news outlet L’Equipe, Olympique Lyonnais are negotiating a deal to land Crystal Palace defender Mamadou Sakho. The French club wants Sakho for ‘under €10 million’ but Palace are expecting the deal to go higher.

The deal is in advanced stages according to French media and it could become the first major transfer deal of the summer in France.

The reports have suggested that Lyon have dealt the matter with ‘utmost secrecy’. This was probably done by the club so that the transfer leaks do not hinder in negotiating a good deal for either of the clubs.

The guy is quality no doubt. He bought a touch of class to our defence that let's face it we had never seen at Palace before.

However I wouldnt be sorry to see him go. He's on huge wages and has a terrible injury record. He never really seems to play more than 7 or 8 games in a row without either getting injured or suspended.

I think it would suit all parties.

Don't waste your time with jealousy. Sometimes your ahead, sometimes your behind, the race is long. But in the end it's only with yourself!!

I endorse these sentiments but would add that all four are in their 30s, with two of them 32 and 34 so in the twilight of their careers.

It is possible that all the quartet might not be at the club next season.

Time for Jach to step up to the plate.

Palace since 19 August 1972. Palace 1 (Tony Taylor) Liverpool 1 (Emlyn Hughes)

I know you have to take speculation with a pinch of salt but I think this sounds true. Given the size of his wages I think Parish may see better value elsewhere. Also, would it be true to say Ligue 1 is less physical than the PL? If it is then Sakho might see it reducing the recurrence of injuries (possibly).

I've loved having him here but at his age and with his injuries I think it's time to say goodbye if we get a decent offer. Roy gets clean sheets through organisation than necessarily individual defensive brilliance, so I'm confident we could replace him.