February 14 2001

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace are linked with a loan move for Arsenal defender Matthew Upson. The Gunners are reported to allow Upson a temporary switch to boost his fitness. The Eagles are looking to strengthen their defence after telling NEIL RUDDOCK that he can leave on a free transfer.

Matthew Upson has had quite some injury problems. First he was out for almost a year after suffering cruciate knee ligament damage against Leicester, in December '99.

Then when he returned to action on loan to Nottingham Forest in November 2000 he picked up a back injury in his first appearance for the club.

Now that he has recovered Arsenal will allow him a temporary switch and Palace take him on loan he will be linking up with ex-Gunners Tommy Black and Julian Gray who are now at Selhurst Park.

However, it is reported that First Division rivals Norwich City are also interested in the Arsenal defender.

More defender news comes from The Valley where Steve Brown, who is reported to be a Palace target, said that he has no immediate plans to leave Charlton Athletic.

Veteran defnder Brown, who will be out of contract at the the en of the season and is yet to be offered a new contract by Charlton, has been linked to a number of clubs including The Eagles.