Palace seek to tie up Johnson

CRYSTAL PALACE manager Iain Dowie is confident of tying up leading striker Andy Johnson on a new contract this week.

Dowie is committed to keeping the promoted Eagles in the Premiership and sees Johnson - leading scorer last season with 32 goals - as an integral part of his plans.

Johnson has two years left on his current deal, but Dowie wants to extend it. He has also been in talks with Danny Butterfield, Wayne Routledge and Danny Granville.

“We want to resolve AJ’s contract and I think we’ll get it sorted by the start of the season,” said Dowie. “I hope Granville stays - he’s done very well for me. In the play-off final, he was outstanding.”

Michael Hughes has had to settle for a one-year contract extension.

Dowie added: “Michael’s wages have been considerably increased. He’s very much valued at this club and had a nice bonus for us going up.”