World Cup Watch: Former Spur among three for Palace to scout

A man as shrewd as Tony Pulis isn’t likely to rest on his laurels having performed miracles with Crystal Palace in the Premier League this season and you’d expect the baseball cap lover to be strengthening his squad this summer.

For a club like Crystal Palace, the World Cup is a real chance to find themselves a gem or two in the bid to solidify their top-flight status. Just don’t expect the experience-trusting Pulis to go for the young stars of the tournament.

Shola Ameobi – Nigeria – Striker

Having spent his entire career playing in England for Newcastle, it’s unlikely that Palace will have too much left to learn about Ameobi, whose Nigerian teammates are 1/1 to beat Iran in their Group F opener.

However, with the newly-capped Nigerian being linked with a move away from St James’ this summer a good showing against some of the world’s best could convince Pulis that Shola should join his Eagles revolution.

Reto Ziegler – Switzerland – Defender

The 28-year-old left-back joined Sampdoria after a loan-heavy stay in north London with Tottenham. After 127 appearances for Genoa-based club, Juventus snapped him up on a free. However, he’s never played a game for them and has been loaned out four times.

Clearly Juve don’t want him and a permanent move could suit all parties, with Ziegler returning to London and Palace getting a player that will allow Joel Ward to return to right-back.

Rio Mavuba – France – Midfielder

A partner for Mile Jedinak is one of Pulis’ greater needs for the summer.

While luring Mavuba away from Lille, who just finished third in Ligue 1 to seal Champions League football, may be difficult, offering the 30-year-old a crack at the English top-flight as the twilight of his career approaches could be too good to refuse.

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