Iain Dowie is on the brink of snapping up Oldham players Les Pogliacomi and Paul Murray for cut-price fees.
It’s believed Dowie has already spoken to goalkeeper Pogliacomi and midfielder Murray about the prospect of following him to Selhurst Park. And officials at Oldham Athletic have confirmed that Palace have made an official approach to buy the players.
Although the new owners at Boundary Park are keen to keep the pair on the books, they may be forced to sell. Both players are out of contract in the summer, and would be free to walk away for nothing. Oldham are preparing improved contracts for them, but it’s likely that Palace would be able to offer better deals.
Pogliacomi signed for Oldham at the start of last season. The 27-year-old Australian soon established himself as first-choice goalkeeper and his excellent year was capped when he won the Player of the Season award. The stopper managed 19 clean sheets in 2003/03. His signing will surely be the priority for Dowie at the moment, after the proposed transfer of Thomas Myhre broke down.
Murray signed for Athletic in December 2001 from Southampton. The pacy midfielder has become a key player for Oldham, and has knocked in three goals so far this season.