Veteran Italian Baiocco remains on Palace's radar

by Daniel Jones

GEORGE Burley has hinted that a deal for veteran Italian midfielder Davide Baiocco may still be on the cards.

The 35-year-old hasn't been seen since impressing in the middle of the park for Palace against Chelsea over two weeks ago.

But reports in Italy suggest that Baiocco is close to agreeing a two year contract with the Eagles.

And speaking after his side's 0-0 draw at Bromley last night, Burley refused to rule out the move.

"It's an option," he admitted. "He was a player that did very well and impressed us with his passing.

"Yes he's 35 but he had quality and it's something we are considering. We have a number of different options and we will make the call soon."

Another midfielder who did well against Chelsea - Slovenian Aleksander Radosavljevic - is also one that Burley is considering bringing in.

The two moves are likely to depend on whether the Eagles are successful in their chase for Owen Garvan.

Burley told the Advertiser last week that he was hopeful of wrapping up a deal for the Irish play-maker.

Palace have agreed a fee of £250,000 with Ipswich Town, but still need to thrash out personal terms with the player.

Other midfielders on Burley's radar are Macedonian international Velice Sumulikoski and former Millwall man Ali Fuseini. The pair played in last night's friendly alongside fellow traillists Tony Capaldi and Yaser Kasim.

All four will get a final chance to impress during Friday's match at Brentford.

"I thought the triallists did well and we will have another look at them on Friday," said Burley. "We're still hopeful of having two new players in by the end of the week as well."