Crystal Palace have parted ways with veteran striker Stern John and are hoping to sign a new forward.
Palace release veteran striker after discussions stall
Crystal Palace have parted ways with veteran striker Stern John and are hoping to sign a new forward.
John, who arrived at Selhurst Park in 2009, but spent time on loan at Ipswich last season, was one of several Eagles players whose contract expired at the end of June.
Palace boss George Burley had been looking to talk to John before making a final decision on his future, but the manager has been unable to contact the 33-year-old and has now closed the door on his return.
"I know Stern quite well as I took him to Southampton with me and I wanted to talk to him and see what his plans were," Burley told Sport Croydon.
"But I haven't been able to get hold of him. I've been told that he is in the Caribbean somewhere but that's all we know.
"So I think we will move on from that one now. He won't be playing here next season."
Options
Burley plans to bolster Palace's attacking options by signing at least one new striker in the upcoming weeks, and former Eagle Clinton Morrison is on his radar.
"We have a number of options and we hope to tie something up soon," he added.
Meanwhile, young forward Calvin Andrew is expected to pen a new deal with the club in the coming days.
Andrew, as well as winger Kieran Djilali and reserve striker Kieron Cadogan, have all verbally agreed to new contracts and are expected to complete the deals by the beginning of next week.
Burley added: "It's all agreed and they'll put pen to paper in the next few days."