May 24 2005

Selhurst Park

Manchester City striker Jon Macken has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace.

Macken, 27, has found it difficult to cement a place in the City side since his £5.5m move from Preston in 2002.

It is believed that the Irish forward is not in manager Stuart Pearce's plans which has alerted Eagles boss IAIN DOWIE.

Macken has only made 31 starts in three seasons and will be keen to resurrect his career. With a year left on his contract, City may let Macken go for around £750,000.

City fan Macken would be a replacement for Andy Johnson, who is almost certain to leave in the summer, though Birmingham this week said they are no longer interested in signing their former striker.

A club statement read: "Birmingham City's chief executive Karren Brady can confirm that an enquiry was made to Crystal Palace regarding the availability of their striker Andrew Johnson.

"However, Crystal Palace made it clear that Andrew Johnson is not for sale and at no point was a bid actually placed.

"As far as Birmingham City is concerned that is the end of the matter and manager Steve Bruce will continue to look elsewhere at other transfer targets."

Palace have reportedly snubbed a £2m-plus-Robert Earnshaw deal for Johnson from West Brom.

Joonas Kolkka has attracted the interest of Dutch side Willem II and he could be replaced by Cardiff City winger Jobi McAnuff, who wants to return to London.