Palace look to be weighing up a swoop for out-of-favour Newcastle United full-back Warren Barton.

The former Wimbledon star was watched by Eagles boss Steve Bruce after being recalled to the United side for their 1-0 Worthington Cup win at Barnsley in midweek.

Barton currently finds himself second-choice right-back at St James' Park, after a horror show at West Ham last month.

That display was mentioned by Hammers boss Glenn Roeder when he completely dismissed stories of his own interest in the 32-year-old last week.

But Barton's committed attitude has brought him many admirers within the game and he produced a typically-determined display at Oakwell.

Nevertheless, despite Roeder himself referring to the player's desire to return to London, his love of life on Tyneside - where he could even be in line for a backroom job under future manager and close friend Alan Shearer - has been well documented.

And Barton himself - out of contract at the end of the current season - recently admitted that a new deal at St James' Park is his number one target.

"I'm going to do everything I can to prove I'm worth another contract," he said. "I feel fit enough, strong enough and confident enough to make sure I do it."

Barton looks set to regain his place in The Magpies' starting line-up for tomorrow's trip to Bolton Wanderers as Andy Griffin is ruled out with a niggling hamstring injury.