Dowie sees vultures circle for Eagles' Routledge

Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie wants Wayne Routledge to commit himself to the club before the transfer window reopens.

The 19-year-old has impressed this season and has been linked with a move to a number of other clubs, including London rivals Tottenham.

Dowie sees Routledge as a key member of his squad and is keen for the winger to sign a five-year deal before new year to stay at Selhurst Park.

“The longer it goes, of course you’re more fearful because we’re in the window and the vultures are circling,” Dowie said.

“We feel it’s a very good offer and we’re hopeful of a resolution. If it doesn’t that will give us another problem.”

Palace are in the bottom three but at times have shown survival form – during October they won three out of four league games – and Routledge has established himself as a player of great promise.

The Eagles have not won in seven games and are looking to bounce back against Portsmouth on St Stephen's Day.

Routledge is set to play against Pompey despite struggling in his last two appearances.

“We’ve got an excellent relationship and he’s done terrifically for me, the two games before our last two defeats he was our best player,” Dowie added.

“He’s a young lad and he’ll have dips in form, I thought he had one in the last couple of games. But he’ll be back, he’s a real talent, some of things he does on the training ground blows your mind.”

Ironically, Palace then face Spurs in their next fixture in their busy Christmas schedule.

Dowie added: “I’m keen to get it done, Spurs game or no Spurs game. He’s an individual who is the future of this club and we need to get him tied down. It will make a big statement about what we’re up to.

“There’s not doubt in my ambition or the chairman’s ambition to keep him at the club, and we hope that happens.”