Crystal Palace boss outlines January transfer plans after Wolves victory

By Nick Wright Wednesday, January 2, 2013
12:59 PM

Ian Holloway has revealed Crystal Palace are already hard at work in the January transfer market as they look to bring in new players to help maintain their promotion push.

The Eagles got back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Wolves on New Year’s Day after a frustrating run of five games without a win.

Brazilian midfielder Andre Moritz was the hero, scoring two stunning free kicks either side of a Yannick Bolasie goal to put Palace into an unassailable lead.

26-year-old Moritz signed a one-year deal from Turkish side Mersin Idmanyurdu during the summer and Holloway says discussions have already taken place to extend his stay at Selhurst Park.

“Yes, we’ve already spoke about that,” he said when quizzed on the matter.

While in-demand youngster Wilfried Zaha’s future remains in doubt as Premier League clubs look to lure him away in January, Holloway insists he is focused on using the transfer window to strengthen his squad.

“The chairman and I are ducking and diving now,” he said. “We’ve already started. We made a load of phone calls [on Monday].”

He continued: “I think we need to strengthen one or two areas. We’re working on some targets, I only want good ones.

“There’s no point having an extra player if he’s no good, so hopefully I’ll bring some good ones to help this group.”

The former Blackpool boss hinted that he could target loan signings and players who are out of favour at their current clubs.

“There are some great players who might not be wanted by [their clubs],” he said.

“There are some great players who I’ve managed to borrow in the past who have done brilliantly for me when they weren’t quite doing it for other clubs.

“Hopefully we can do that again and get the right sort of specific player to play the way I want.”

He continued: “I’ve had a look at the academy set-up and there are a couple of really good young players.

“But are they ready to help this lot yet? Probably not. Give them another year, year and a bit, then who knows?

“We’re trying to help the squad here and give us a fair chance to have a second half of the season that’ll keep everybody singing.”