Erdal Rakip’s potential move to Crystal Palace could be off, if Benfica get their way.

It’s an increasingly curious situation and the whole thing falling to pieces may not be the worst thing for Crystal Palace.

Rakip signed for Benfica on a free transfer following the end of his contract with Swedish champions Malmo. It was then reported in both Portugal and Sweden that Rakip would be moving to Crystal Palace on loan for the rest of the season, and he travelled to London for a medical on Friday.

Crystal Palace were getting the loan for free but it didn’t make a great deal of sense given they had no buying option on the player. It was also reported in Portugal that Rakip had been left ‘surprised’ at Benfica not needing him for the rest of the season, so the Crystal Palace loan hadn’t been part of his plan.

An announcement was expected over the weekend but it’s now claimed in Portugal that Benfica want to cancel the loan. A Bola say a medical has been passed and Rakip has signed the paperwork but Benfica are trying to wriggle out of it.

With Krovinovic picking up an injury which will see him out of the rest of the season, Benfica want to keep Rakip.