Leyton Orient have set their sights on securing a loan deal for Crystal Palace midfielder Hindolo Mustapha.
The 18-year-old was a regular feature for Crystal Palace’s U21s in the Premier League 2 last season, and appears to be increasingly likely to make the transition to men’s first-team football for the upcoming campaign.
Richie Wellens has had plenty of success with loanees throughout the clubs previous campaign and could be set to dive back into the loan market once again.
Mustapha tipped for Leyton Orient switch
As reported by journalist Alan Nixon, Leyton Orient are keen to strike a deal with Crystal Palace regarding a loan move for the 18-year-old.
Mustapha is yet to make his first-team debut for the Premier League side and could be their latest export to apply their trade within the EFL.
The club are likely to be in the market for a Jamie Donley replacement, following the expiration of his loan deal.
How did he fare last season?
He may not have made his senior debut yet, but Mustapha was ever-present for the clubs U21s across their league matches last season.
In total, he featured 22 times in the reserve league, scoring ten goals and providing three additional assists, including three contributions during a 6-0 win over Chelsea.
The closest the midfielder has come to first-team football is two outings in the EFL Trophy earlier on in the campaign, featuring against Gillingham and Peterborough United.
During those two outings, he provided a goal and assist.
Can he replace Jamie Donley?
Last season, Leyton Orient had 20-year-old loanee Jamie Donley on their books, and he registered 18 goal contributions in 42 league matches for the club.
However, he has since returned to Tottenham, leaving the club short in the final third.
Donley had made a handful of substitute appearances in the first-team prior to his loan, so he has a slight advantage on Mustapha.
Wellens has already proven that he is very good at getting the best out of loan players and that could be something that Crystal Palace want to utilise.
Mustapha will get access to regular first-team football with the League One side and if he can pick up where he left off, he will provide plenty of goal contributions.