St Mirren are pushing to make Kofi Balmer their first signing of the new season.

The Buddies have opened talks with Crystal Palace over agreeing a deal when the transfer window re-opens. The Northern Ireland under-21 cap still has another year left on his Eagles contract but they are unlikely to stand in his way and could even let him leave on a free if he can get himself regular first-team football elsewhere.

The good thing for St Mirren is they have a good relationship with Palace thanks to Dylan Reid's move there last year. Stephen Robinson has made the 23-year-old a top target and would like to get a quick deal done, especially if St Mirren were to go on and seal a European return. Balmer moved from Larne to Crystal Palace two years ago but has still to make a senior appearance. He had a loan spell at Port Vale last season and is currently out at AFC Wimbledon.