Crystal Palace enter race for Argentine strike ace
Published:
New Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew is looking to add two new strikers to his squad this month – and put QPR boss Harry Redknapp’s nose out of joint in the process.
The former Newcastle boss has identified Swansea’s Bafetimbi Gomis as a top priority but has also entered the race for West Ham forward and Rs target Mauro Zarate.
Former Lazio and Inter man Zarate is out of favour at the Boleyn Ground and Pardew is reportedly keen to hijack the Argentine’s loan move to Loftus Road to spearhead the Eagles’ survival bid.
The 27-year-old striker has already had a medical in west London but the deal is said to have hit a snag, with the Hoops looking to acquire the player on cheaper terms than those already agreed.
This has opened the door for Palace and while Pardew’s former club Newcastle, Aston Villa and Sunderland are also said to be keen, it is understood Zarate would prefer to remain in the capital.
Pardew enjoyed a comfortable start to life in the Selhurst Park hot seat, with his side running our 4-0 winners in their FA Cup fixture with Dover at the weekend.
However, the learning curve is set to become much steeper with Tottenham the next visitors to south London fresh from a 5-3 victory over league leaders Chelsea.
Pardew’s men are priced at 11/4 to bring Spurs back down to earth with a bump and three points against the Lilywhites could prove vital, with the Eagles survival chances rated as slim.
Ladbrokes may have Palace priced up as 4/6 to stay up but odds of 21/20 on the Eagles slipping into the Championship at the end of the season indicate that Pardew will have his work cut out to consolidate the club’s top flight status.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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