Crystal Palace favourites to land Davide Santon

Crystal Palace have emerged as favourites to secure the services of former Newcastle United defender Davide Santon. The Italian was close to joining Sunderland before a disagreement over his contract put the deal to a dead end.

The 25-year-old has struggled since his move to Inter Milan and signs are he would favour a return to the Premier League this summer.

Italian source Gazzetta dello Sport says Palace have a clear route to Santon with the Black Cats no longer in the running for the player.

Santon was nearing a switch to Wearside last week until he declined a clause in the contract which would have seen his wages being halved on relegation.

The Nerazzurri are willing to let go of their asset in the transfer window provided a club matches their £3m asking price.

The 25-year-old is comfortable playing on either side of the central defenders and he would add the much-needed depth to the Eagles setup.