Tom Ince offers Crystal Palace something completely different going forward than they currently have. The son of former Manchester United, Inter Milan and Liverpool star Paul Ince, the younger Ince is a versatile pacey player who can play in either wide position or in the hole right behind the strikers. The player who almost single handedly led Blackpool back to the Premier League in 2012 has been rumored for a move to a top club for sometime. Yet today it was Crystal Palace who are experiencing a resurgence under Tony Pulis who secured the services of the player on loan from the Tangerines.

Ince’s time at Blackpool lasted longer than almost everyone expected. After losing the 2012 Championship play-off final at Wembley to West Ham, the sense was that Ince would be sold by the Tangerines that summer. A return to Liverpool where the player started his career was discussed as was a move to Manchester United. Instead Ince stayed on the north west coast and eventually his father became Blackpool manager.

His dad was recently sacked, and — now 22 — the younger Ince will be available on a free this summer.  The failure of the Tangerines to sell the player long before his deal ended means they will receive no compensation for the transfer though they apparently will receive £1 million for the loan to Palace.

As far as Pulis’s side is concerned, a recent run of form has taken the side out of the drop zone. However, the manager knows the squad he inherited is simply not good enough to stay in the Premier League.  The former Stoke manager has already pushed the Eagles to their maximum capability while keeping clean sheets and staying organized in defense.

The creative spark is missing from the side, and that is something Ince can and will provide.  The dynamism of the player is unquestioned and he can provide not only creativity and pace, but also finishing ability from midfield.

Getting Ince for such a small fee if even just to avoid the drop is a no-brainer for Palace. It is no small wonder the player was sought by multiple Premier League teams near the bottom of the table for the short loan stint he is available for.

If Ince performs to his capability with Pulis’ side, he could very well find himself in the plans for Liverpool, Manchester United or even emerging French giants AS Monaco this summer.

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