Crystal Palace are reportedly signing Benfica midfielder Erdal Rakip on a loan deal until the end of the season.

It’s the Portuguese outlet A Bola who are reporting the deal tonight, after some speculation came from Sweden earlier today.

There’s not much info for now, but it’s unlikely the London side will have an option to sign the player in the future, since A Bola claims that Rakip is seen by Benfica as a man for the future.

This is a curious situation, because only a few days ago, Rakip was still a free agent. He left Malmo at the end of his contract, and his move to Benfica still hasn’t been confirmed everywhere.

There were reports in Sweden earlier today that Rakip would become a Benfica player and then immediately move to the Premier League, but Crystal Palace weren’t directly mentioned.

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It was the 21-year-old himself who chose not to renew his contract with Malmo, and after picking Benfica as his next destination, he signed a deal which is set to run until 2023.

But first, a little stop in London at Crystal Palace.