Holloway still targeting ex-England man.Check in to Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace are lining up a swoop for Queens Park Rangers striker Andy Johnson in the January transfer window, having failed with a deadline day bid for the player in the summer, the Express reports.
Johnson travelled to Palace’s training ground in Beckenham on deadline day with the hope of being able to secure a move to the Premier League new boys, but the deal was pulled by Harry Redknapp’s men late on after the two club’s failed to agree a fee.
Palace co-chairman Steve Parish suggested that despite wanting a different type of striker this summer, Johnson is someone they had been keeping an eye on.
Speaking to the South London Press Parish said; “I’m gutted that he’s not going to be a part of it and I think AJ is as well.
“We were ideally looking at a big striker but had conversations about AJ all summer. We had concerns over injuries but he came back really fit and strong for QPR. It would have been a special moment to get him back.”
And he then went on to explain that the club would likely be returning for Johnson during the January window.
“He won’t be far from our thoughts in January. It’s something we’ll always consider. We’ll keep in touch with him,” he added.
Johnson had a successful first spell at the club between 2002 and 2006, scoring 85 goals in 160 appearances for the Eagles, including 22 strikes in their last Premier League campaign prior to this one, which saw him earn a call-up to the England squad.
Palace had also been linked with the likes of Peter Odemwingie and Nicklas Bendtner as possible additions upfront this summer.