CRYSTAL Palace Football Club are desperately trying to get in touch with a mystery man said to be interested in buying the cash-strapped club.

Palace, saddled with debts of around £32 million, were taken into administration by investment firm Agilo this week.

It was the latest twist in a season of off-field turmoil for the Selhurst Park club, who have failed to pay their players on time on four occasions and were twice banned from making player transfers due to financial irregularities.

But the administrator P & A Partnership is aware of a person who it says wants to buy Palace – and is urging them to make themselves known quickly.

Brendan Guilfoyle, of P & A, told the Advertiser: "I have a name. He was talking to the creditors [Agilo] before I got involved.

"I am going to see the secure creditors and ask them to contact him to present himself."

Palace's money problems have overshadowed some excellent performances on the pitch this season and this week has been no different.

The club's descent into administration has cost them 10 points, as per Football League rules, dropping them from the fringes of the Coca Cola Championship play-offs to a few points above the relegation zone.

And it is set to get worse for the Eagles as the administrators are actively trying to sell star striker Victor Moses to help balance the books.

Moses was barred from playing against Newcastle on Wednesday in case he picked up an injury that could have prevented him being sold on.

Off-loading Moses would go "more than halfway" to solving Palace's cash crisis, according to Mr Guilfoyle, but he is trying to sell other players before the January transfer window shuts on Monday evening.

He said: "There are clubs expressing an interest in players.

"I've got to look at what offers are available and discuss that with the manager.

"But ultimately the decisions are mine and I have until Monday at 5pm."

It appears that several people or businesses owed money by the Eagles will not be paid back in full.

Non-football creditors, which could include employees, suppliers and the taxman, are likely to receive only part of the money they are owed when the club emerges from administration.

"We are intending to pay Crystal Palace employees on time," said Mr Guilfoyle. "We're struggling, but we are trying."

Palace's debts include £4.5 million to Agilo, the firm that brought the club into administration, and almost £27.5 million in unsecured debt.

An estimated £20 million of that is owed to current chairman Simon Jordan, who has stayed away from the club during the first few days of the administration.

Jordan's powers are suspended while the administrators are in place.

Any new buyer may also have the option to buy Palace's ground as part of the package.

Selhurst Park is currently in the hands of administrators Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PWC) having been previously owned by Rock Investments.