Murray to Hold Talks With Pardew

The London Evening Standard have revealed that Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray is to discuss his future in South London with manager Alan Pardew. This follows the sacking of previous manager Neil Warnock, and subsequent replacement with the former Newcastle United (and Reading) gaffer. Murray had been on loan at Reading since the last day of the summer transfer window, having been told by Warnock that he was "last in the pecking order" at Selhurst Park.

Murray has already made an appearance for Alan Pardew at Crystal Palace this season, starting at Dover in the FA Cup third round in this week's set of fixtures. He didn't score, but came off at half time with an injury.

Although it is believed that Murray's loan deal in Berkshire also included the possibility of his stay being made permanent in January, the front man's recent quotes suggest that he sees his future in South London.

What he said

"I was told I was last in the pecking order at the club and that they were bringing another [striker] in. After hearing those words, I felt as though I did not have much of a choice [but to go in search of regular football. Every player wants to play. I did not say 'I have to play or I am leaving', or anything like that. It was the decision of the club and you have to deal with that. You just get on with it as a player, it is part and parcel of the game."

"It was nice to get some consistent games under my belt at Reading but I'm not looking to get away. As far as I know, I am a Palace player. I was only on loan at Reading. It is up to the two clubs. It goes beyond me. With the new gaffer, we need to speak and I am sure we will. He has been busy up until now and I am sure we will this week."

What it means

Those comments on his time at Reading seem to indicate that he never saw the loan deal as one that he would have liked to make permanent if there was a possibility of going back to Palace. With Murray now at the ripe old age of 31, he has to be careful about every step of his career from now on. The loan arrangement allowed Murray to carry on playing at a good level of the game rather than rot in the reserves under Neil Warnock. However, with a new manager in charge, Murray clearly sees this as his chance to force his way back into a Premier League starting XI.

Had Warnock not left Palace, Reading may have held a decent chance of seeing Murray agree a permanent deal with the club. On the brigher side though, funds that were earmarked for Murray's signature could surely be used to pursue another target? Stay tuned to the Tilehurst End for all the latest transfer developments throughout January.

You can read the full story at the London Evening Standard here.