Crystal Palace are 'confident' West Brom youngster Nathan Ferguson will join the club when his contract expires this summer - although no move can be completed until all parties agree his deal has ended due to the current uncertain climate.
Palace had agreed a fee with West Brom for the 19-year-old late in the January transfer window, while personal terms had also been finalised. But following a medical examination, the Eagles discovered Ferguson had sustained a serious knee injury which would require surgery.
Palace attempted to renegotiate the fee, but no deal was reached in time. The Athletic now report that, despite the deal falling through in January, the relationship that was formed between the Eagles, the player, his family and his agent has given Palace confidence that Ferguson will make the switch to London once his current contract expires.
The teenager's deal with West Brom is due to run until 30 June, but FIFA confirmed on Tuesday that they will allow clubs to extend deals for players whose contracts are due to expire on 30 June until the season is able to be finished. Football has, of course, been suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus crisis.
As a result, Ferguson will only be able to complete a move to Selhurst Park under freedom of contract when his current deal is considered to have expired by all parties involved. But with Ferguson being offered very lucrative wages by Palace in January, the defender could be keen to secure a move when his contract was originally due to expire.
The Athletic further add that West Brom intend to follow FIFA's guidance regarding the contracts situation - meaning they plan to pay Ferguson for as long as the season runs, even though he is currently out injured. But should he make clear that he wishes to leave on 1 July, this situation could change.
And if he were to complete the switch, a tribunal would determine the compensation costs that would need to be paid to West Brom - but this may not happen until late 2021. Nonetheless, Palace are said to be confident that
Source : 90min