Report: Crystal Palace optimistic over £15M pursuit of Fiorentina's Babacar

Crystal Palace's attempt to boost its attack could lead to the arrival of Khouma Babacar from Fiorentina.

Manager Roy Hodgson is said to be eager to add reinforcements to help ease the load on Christian Benteke, who is recognised as the team's only true striker, as well as possibly picking up a goalkeeper.

Palace officials are reportedly optimistic over the club's chances of completing a deal to sign Babacar for a £15-million transfer fee, according to Dominic Fifield of the Guardian.

Babacar only has four goals in 15 appearances after being limited to a role off the bench this season, as Fiorentina manager Stefano Pioli instead has relied on Giovanni Simeone up front.

Interest in Babacar has superseded Palace's reported pursuit of previous targets Oumar Niasse of Everton and West Ham United forward Diafra Sakho.

Palace, who has only scored 33 goals in 23 matches, sits in 11th with 26 points - two points back of a place in the top 10 of the Premier League.