WITH the start of the Championship season just over a week away George Burley admits he is still desperate to strengthen his thin Palace squad.

The Eagles are set to complete the signing of defender Tony Capaldi and are closing in on a deal for Ipswich midfielder Owen Garvan.

But the Palace manager believes that even with those two new signings the club are still short of numbers.

Burley is keen to add one more midfield player and, most importantly, a new striker before the game against Leicester at Selhurst Park a week on Saturday.

"I'm looking forward to the season, but if I'm being honest I wish it was three weeks away," he said.

"We knew it was going to be battle. I only had 11 players when I got here and we are still working very hard to bring in more.

"We are close to tying up a deal with Tony Capaldi. He's a strong experienced Championship defender and will fill the gap at left back.

"Young Lee Hills is out for a few months but Tony's signing will give us three recognised full backs with David Wright and Nathaniel Clyne.

"We've agreed a fee with Ipswich for Owen Garvan and that's one we are hoping we can complete in the next 24-48 hours.

"I met with the boy yesterday [Wednesday] and that went very well. But contract talks are always a tricky business so it isn't done yet by any means.

"Even if we get those two over the line we still need two more at least - a striker and a midfield player. We're working on a number of things and hopefully we'll have some good news in the next few days."

Burley has admitted an interest in signing Newcastle forward Nile Ranger, but that now seems unlikely with the young striker keen to stay and fight for his place at St James' Park.

Other loan targets include midfielders Danny Rose from Tottenham and Arsenal's Mark Randall.