Crystal Palace have launched a £16m bid for Lille defender Ibrahim Amadou, according to reports.

The Eagles’ defensive options are very short with injuries to Scott Dann, Joel Ward and Mamadou Sakho.

And Amadou, a regular starter for the Ligue 1 club, could solve their crisis at the back.

The 24-year-old, who can also play in midfield, is a former France Under-19 international.

Palace were not targeting a centre-half in this month’s transfer window until recent injuries.

Selhurst Park boss Roy Hodgson said: "The subject of signing another centre-back has never come up because we weren't expecting Sakho and Dann to be out for long periods of time.

"But who knows now? There will be discussions. Football is an ever-revolving subject. What you think is good in your team at one time suddenly a moment in time changes it all."