Crystal Palace Are Ready To Listen To Offers For Midfield Man

Palace midfielder Barry Bannan is a much-loved member of the current squad, but it looks as if he is ready to leave Selhurst Park for good this summer in search of regular game time.

The 25-year-old joined from Aston Villa in the summer of 2013, and has since struggled to hold down a regular starting place in the side, with his diminutive stature often working against him, given the physical style our midfield has often adopted during our two year spell in the top flight.

Still seen as a key member of Gordon Strachan’s Scotland squad, Bannan is understandably desperate to ensure that he doesn’t lose his place, with the Tartan Army still in with a chance of qualifying for Euro 2016 next summer. With that in mind, a number of Championship clubs thought to be ready to offer him a starting spot in their side, including Bolton Wanderers, with whom he spent time on loan last season.

It will be a shame to lose Bannan this summer if he does indeed move on, but with the Palace midfield possessing more strength in depth than at any stage before in the club’s 110 year history, there is almost no chance of him ever establishing himself as a big part of Alan Pardew’s plans.

The Scot is traveling with the squad to Berlin ahead of our pre-season game tomorrow afternoon, but we could hear news of an official bid for his services in the coming days. We’ll keep you updated.

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Clyne’s Liverpool Move Could Bank Crystal Palace Up To £3 Million

Nathaniel Clyne is on the verge of being officially announced as a Liverpool player, with his first club Crystal Palace set to bank at least £1.5 million as part of the deal.

The right-back left SE25 in the summer of 2012 to join Southampton and has since gone on to establish himself as a regular starter at St Mary’s, but with Brendan Rodgers desperate to strengthen the Reds ahead of another tilt at the top four next season, the England international looks all set to make the switch to Anfield in the next day or so.

After making his Crystal Palace debut in October of 2008, Clyne became a much-loved member of the Eagles’ first-team, playing a huge part in the administration blighted campaign of 2009/10 after being convinced to shun interest in him from Wolves to stay put at Selhurst Park by his then manager Neil Warnock.

Going on to make 139 appearances in red and blue, it was his move to the south coast which brought him to the attention of the wider footballing public, settling into life in the Premier League instantly, before being given the chance to shine for the national team November of 2014, playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 win over Slovenia. He has since gone on to play four more times for Roy Hodgson’s side and is touted to become England’s first-choice right-sided defender for years to come.

As part of the deal which saw him move to Southampton, Palace were guaranteed 20% of any profit Southampton made from a future sale, meaning that, with additional fees in the form of clauses with Liverpool, we could see close to £3 million coming our way over the next few years, which whilst not astronomical in the grand scheme of Premier League funding, is certainly welcome.

You would assume that Clyne will go from strength to strength on Merseyside, with his uncomplicated brand of defending bound to be appreciated by the Liverpool fans. It’s just a shame that his presence in their back four may hinder our chances of getting our customary win over them next season.

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