Crystal Palace: 'Parish and Freedman already talking' over summer move

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish and sporting director Dougie Freedman are already locked in discussions over potential strikers they could welcome to Selhurst Park in the summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

The Eagles went into the international break sitting 12 points clear of the dreaded drop zone, meaning they are all-but certain to maintain their Premier League status and the key decision-makers behind-the-scenes can already prepare for top flight football next season.

Patrick Vieira was appointed as Palace’s manager after a prolonged search last July, replacing the departed Roy Hodgson.

The Frenchman went on to make a host of signings and among them was Odsonne Edouard, who cost up to £18.5million on deadline day of last summer’s window.

Following a blistering start in which he grabbed a brace as a late substitute on his debut, Edouard has only found the back of the net another four times.

In the final hours of the January window, the Eagles parted with £9million to make Jean-Philippe Mateta’s loan from Mainz permanent and also sealed the arrival of Derby County teenager Luke Plange.

Mateta has enjoyed more game-time since the turn of the year, but still only has five goals to show for his efforts, while Christian Benteke has failed to get his name on the scoresheet since November.

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Bridge reckons Palace boss Vieira will have made securing the services of a prolific frontman a priority heading into his second season at the helm.

The Sky Sports reporter understands Parish and Freedman are already working around the clock to identify potential candidates to become the Eagles’