Cisse set for switch to Palace

Senegal midfielder Aliou Cisse could be a Crystal Palace player by tomorrow.

The 28-year-old is expected to complete a loan move with an option to buy within 24 hours following talks with the newly-promoted side.

Cisse’s agent Willie McKay told the Press Association: “As far as I know, he’s going to go on loan with an option to buy,” he said. “It’s going to be probably tomorrow.”

Cisse has also attracted interest from relegated Leeds but McKay added: “Aliou wants to go to Crystal Palace.

“I have spoken to Palace and a deal is close to being completed after talks with Steve Bruce.

“Simon Jordan (Palace chairman) has spoken to Karren Brady (Birmingham chief executive) about Aliou going to Palace. There has been interest from other clubs, but Aliou wants to go to Palace.

“He is keen to stay in the Premiership and help Palace survive in their first year back in the Premiership, like he did in his first season at Birmingham.”

Manager Iain Dowie has already recruited five new players since winning promotion via the Division One play-offs. Emmerson Boyce, Mark Hudson, Julian Speroni and Joonas Kolkka were last night joined by 22-year-old Hungarian international striker Sandor Torghelle.