When Manchester United welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, their recruitment chiefs will be keeping a keen eye on one opposition player in particular.
Back in September, the Manchester Evening News revealed that United were monitoring Eze's situation at Selhurst Park, with their provisional plan for this summer back then being to sign a defender, a midfielder and a winger next summer.
Given sporting director Dan Ashworth and previous head coach Erik ten Hag have left their roles since then, those plans may have changed - particularly given United's lack of goals this season may well force them to prioritise a move for a forward next summer.
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Eze was identified as a reinforcement on the flanks and new manager Ruben Amorim doesn't play with wingers. He does play with two number 10s in his 3-4-2-1 formation, though, and Eze could well be a dream option in one of those two roles - a role he plays under Oliver Glasner at Palace.
Palace were reluctant to sell the England international last summer after they decided to sell Michael Olise to Bayern Munich for £50million. However, Eze could well move on this summer who it is believed has a £68million release clause that can be reactivated this summer.
With that in mind, Amorim will be keeping a keen eye on the 26-year-old's performance when he lines up against his side on Sunday afternoon.
Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho have largely held those roles in the team but Garnacho could well be sold this month or in the summer as United look to sell on a academy graduate for pure profit in an attempt to temper any fears over their PSR situation.
Eze could be the perfect replacement for the Argentina international. Man City and Arsenal were said to be among the clubs monitoring his situation last summer after the 26-year-old ended last season by representing England at EURO 2024.
His 11 goals and six assists last season have been backed up by six goals and six assists this term and he is under contract in South London until 2027.
United know defeat to Palace will see the Eagles leapfrog them in the Premier League table on Sunday. Eze is likely to be central to their success or failure. Either way, United may well make it one of their first summer moves to make Sunday's clash the last time he has the chance to hurt their ambitions from the away dressing room at Old Trafford.
