Dowie in for Lomas?

Last updated : 07 July 2005 By Nik Taylor

Palace boss Iain Dowie is poised to lure West Ham midfielder Steve Lomas to Selhurst Park, according to The Mirror

Lomas has seen recent seasons hit severely by injury and has been told by West Ham boss Alan Pardew he is not needed for the club’s upcoming Premiership season.

The former Northern Ireland skipper has one year remaining on his Hammers contract but that is expected to be paid off, enabling him to move on for free.

The avaialability of the 31-year-old has reportedly alerted Scottish Premier League side Hearts and Championship team Preston.

But Dowie and Lomas go way back, having played for both club and country together. It’s this that may see Palace head the queue for the midfielder’s signature.