Crystal Palace have held talks with Takehiro Tomiyasu over a permanent contract that would see the 27-year-old defender join the Eagles on a free transfer. The Japan international has been training with Palace and was named as a substitute in the pre-season friendly versus Lens on Tuesday. And the talks are understood to have been fruitful, with a broad agreement on terms in place should Palace head coach Pierre Sage decide to sign the versatile defender. Sage is set to play with three central defenders next season and it is understood Tomiyasu, should Palace proceed, is viewed as a potential option to play on the left side of the trio. Tomiyasu's recent career has been plagued by knee issues and, while Palace are convinced of the former Arsenal's man ability, the club want to be sure with regards to his fitness. Upon leaving the Gunners by mutual consent last season, Tomiyasu joined Ajax, where he made eight appearances for the Dutch side towards the end of the campaign. Palace want to strengthen their defensive options this summer with first-choice central defender Maxence Lacroix set to join Chelsea. The Eagles have already made at least one offer for Augsburg centre-back Chrislain Matsima, with talks continuing between the two clubs over a potential 30m euro (£25.7m) deal. Palace also have an interest in a possible loan deal for Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, but as yet there are no indications that the Stamford Bridge club are prepared to sanction the 20-year-old's exit. BBC Sport reported last week that Palace also hold a strong interest in Brest centre-back Raphael le Guen. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 15th in Premier League, 45 pts, 11W-12D-15L from 38 games, recent form LDLDL. Goals this season: 41 scored, 51 conceded (-10 goal difference). Title race: 40 points behind leaders Arsenal. Next fixture: vs Bournemouth (away, 2027-02-20) (6th in the table).