Exclusive: Palace eye Hammers starlet

Crystal Palace are weighing up a loan move for West Ham starlet Freddie Sears, the Advertiser can reveal.

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola confirmed this week that he will let the 19-year-old leave Upton Park on temporary basis next season in order for the striker to gain more first-team experience.

Palace chief Neil Warnock is desperate to bolster his side’s attacking ranks ahead of next season after a lacklustre campaign in front of goal last term.

And the Yorkshireman has told the Advertiser he will look into the prospect of bringing the talented hitman to Selhurst Park next season.

He said: “I will speak to Mick [Jones] and our chief scout [Allan Gemmill] about him and have a look at our scouting reports.

“Freddie Sears is the sort of player that would interest us – we are looking for players of Premier League quality and experience.”

For the full story see Friday's Advertiser.