Olympique Marseille defender Hiroki Sakai is attracting interest from England.

Sakai is wanted by major clubs in Italy, but is also a target for Crystal Palace, says the London Evening Standard.

Palace boss Roy Hodgson is convinced by the quality of Sakai, who is tied to OM until 2021.

Along with the Londoners, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Napoli and Spain's Sevilla are also keen.

Sakai is rated in the £12m class by OM this summer.