Eagles eye Swans defender

Just three points from an automatic promotion place, Crystal Palace will be doing everything they can to ensure their return to the top flight this season.

Despite having just agreed to sell Wilfried Zaha to Manchester United, the winger will remain at Selhurst Park until the summer to see out the impressive challenge that the team have started this campaign.

Technically a loan signing, another player who Sky Sports say could be joining Ian Holloway’s side for a temporary spell is Swansea City defender Ashley Richards.  Having played 29 times in the league for the Swans during three-and-a-half seasons years at the Liberty Stadium, Richards is also a Welsh international after making his debut for his country in May 2012.

Despite being regarded as a promising talent at the club, a regular route to the first team has not been established for the defender, with a loan move to the highflying Eagles possibly allowing him to get more games under his belt and gain some valuable experience.

Palace are looking to return to the promised land of the Premier League for the first time since they were relegated in 2005.  Landing Richards until the end of the season may just help them achieve it.

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