Alan Pardew has been very active in the transfer market this summer and isn’t finished yet, reports Peter O’Rourke of ESPN. The former Newcastle boss is looking to bring another of his ex-players to London.
Having already smashed The Eagles’ club record transfer fee to buy Yohan Cabaye of Paris Saint-Germain, Pardew now wants to further upset the Magpies by taking captain Fabricio Coloccini away from Tyneside.
Whilst there are doubts over Coloccini’s future at St James’ Park, he would be missed there were he to leave, as he has been at the club since 2008 and is a leader, having made nearly 250 appearances for the club.
Pardew is looking for a player to partner Scott Dann at centre-back, and Coloccini has emerged as one of his preferred targets, with Brede Hangeland having been released this summer.
Coloccini’s status as Newcastle captain is unsteady at the moment as there are murmurings of Steve McLaren wanting to name a new captain of his own choosing – rather than heading into 2015/1 with a captain chosen, coincidentally, by Alan Pardew during his time in the north east.
Palace are also said to be interested in Wales captain Ashley Williams of Swansea, but Garry Monk is determined to keep him and he appears to be set on remaining in Wales. He would also come at a price upwards of £10 million, whereas Coloccini, who is of a similar age and has played for Argentina on 39 occasions, would be cheaper option.
