Crystal Palace continue to be interested in a move for West Brom right-back Nathan Ferguson, and could now secure his services for a reduced price, a report from The Sun has claimed.

Ferguson, who only broke into the Baggies' first-team at the start of this season, had been close to completing a move to Palace that would have been worth £8million back in the January transfer window.

However, a knee problem uncovered during his medical at Selhurst Park saw the deal fall through, and Ferguson has not played for West Brom since, with the 19-year-old said to be facing six months on the sidelines.

According to the latest reports however, that has not put Palace off the prospect of signing the teenager, with the Premier League side now handed the opportunity of securing his services for a reduced price.

That six-month injury layoff will take Ferguson beyond the end of his current contract with West Brom, and Palace will reportedly look to use that, combined with his injury, to their advantage, by attempting to negotiate a reduced price for the defender, or by going to a tribunal over the price paid by Ferguson, potentially costing the Baggies a big return on their investment in Ferguson.

Since making his debut for West Brom on the opening day of the season, Ferguson has made 21 appearances for the Baggies in total, helping Slaven Bilic's side to second in the current Championship standings, six points clear of third-placed Fulham.

The Verdict

This will unquestionably be a big blow for West Brom.

Given how impressive Ferguson has been throughout the season so far, it is unlikely they would have wanted to lose him at all if possible, and the prospect of now seeing him go for a reduced price will only rub salt into the wounds.

Indeed, not only does it mean that the Baggies will not be getting what they will feel is a fair price for him, but it also means they will have less funds with which to go out and buy a suitable replacement for the teenager.