August 8 2003

Julian Gray

Out-of-contract JULIAN GRAY wants Crystal Palace to lower their valuation of him so he can complete his transfer to Charlton.

The 23-year-old has been involved in the Addicks' recent pre-season games and boss Alan Curbishley is keen on signing him.

However, Curbishley is reluctant to match Palace's asking price of £750,000 which is compensation as he is under 24.

It is believed Palace will have to pay Arsenal a cut of the transfer. Leeds had already pulled out after they could not afford him.

GRAY said: "I have been training with Charlton for two weeks. I love it here and the players have made me feel very welcome.

"It would be a good move for me at this stage of my career. I really hope that Palace will be realistic in their valuation and not prevent me from making this step."

Curbishley told The Sun: "We thought we would let things die down before we do anything more with JULIAN. There's a lot of discussion to be done about the fee.

"Palace have made their feelings clear but we are not about to match that."