Eagles hopeful Routledge won't leave nest

Iain Dowie remains hopeful Wayne Routledge will celebrate his birthday by signing a new deal with Crystal Palace, but admits the club may look to cash in on the winger before the transfer window closes if he does not.

The England youth international turns 20 tomorrow and has produced a string of impressive displays as the Eagles battle to stay in the Barclays Premiership.

Routledge, though, is out of contract in the summer, but because of his age would not be available on a free transfer given he has come through the trainee ranks at Selhurst Park.

Tottenham had a bid rejected before the start of the season, and are reported to be one of several clubs keeping a close eye on the midfielder.

Dowie, however, remains optimistic Routledge will commit himself to Palace. “He is coming in for discussions today and we will wait and see what his response to the contract offer is,” said the Palace manager.

“The offer we made Wayne is a sizeable offer. I am hopeful, but we will have to see. Our relationship is excellent and we hope that he is positive.”

However, Dowie reflected: “He is very important to us, so we have tried to make the opportunity to keep him… then we take our chances with compensation in the summer – or we can do the other.

“But we will wait and see what Wayne’s response is. I am hoping he will sign on the dotted line.”

Dowie hopes to be able to bring some new faces into his squad during the transfer window.

The Eagles have been linked with a swoop for West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker while Dinamo Moscow claim the south London club are interested in their Russian international striker Dmitri Bulykin.

Their victory over Aston Villa on Monday lifted the Eagles out of the relegation zone.

But Dowie warned: “I think anyone who would be under a misconception that they are going to come here and not be involved in a struggle to stay in this division would be silly.

“I have said I don‘t want to make it ‘boom to bust’, so it has got to be done slowly and thoughtful.”