Matt Woosnam, who covers Crystal Palace for The Athletic, reckons that the south London outfit should have re-signed Gary Cahill.

He joined from Chelsea following his release two years ago, but his contract at Selhurst Park ran out earlier this summer and he is once again a free agent.

The 35-year-old, who often wore the armband in Luka Milivojevic’s absence, made 48 outings during his two seasons at the club, with his experience and quality helping Palace stay in the Premier League under Roy Hodgson.

Following several key experienced departures, 6 ft 4 colossus Cahill was offered fresh terms by the Eagles, although they were unable to agree a new deal and his exit was confirmed by himself on Twitter earlier this month.

New manager Patrick Vieira has since added two centre-backs in Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen to his squad, but Woosnam feels Palace might rue the loss of Cahill.

He told The Transfer Tavern:

“The likes of Gary Cahill would offer a lot to Palace.

“His experience has been vital. I remember his debut at Old Trafford, and he was coaching 29-year-old Patrick van Aanholt through the game. You think that’s crazy when he has so much experience, so I would have kept him.”