Of the 'out of contract' players, I think we only need to try to keep Benteke, Townsend, Cahill, Ward and Luka. The rest can go unless we need a replacement for any of the last three, in which case Clyne and Kelly should be considered. Keeping the five mentioned would give us a squad of 20, with 4 signings and 2 loanees to be sought, to provide the requisite numbers.

1. For a club our size, we currently pay over the odds in wages/signing-on fees. It is unlikely that any other club (PL or otherwise) will be offering more than the current wages these players receive. It will be a question of whether our players want to take a pay cut with us or somewhere else.
2. To a certain extent it could depend on who the next manager is, how quickly he is appointed and his view of these players.
3. Both Benteke and Townsend have played well in recent weeks so they're either playing for a contract or putting themselves in the shop window. I think it's the former but time will tell. McCarthy isn't high on my list of players we have to try and keep, although he can do a job as a squad player when fit (but how often is that?)
4. As for others, PvA seems almost certain to leave. Schlupp may get offers from elsewhere, assuming his contract is up (some sources say 11 contracts up, others 15 - it may depend on how long the four extensions granted last year were for). Can't imagine any of the others getting significant offers (we can afford to let Hennessey and Henderson go with Butland as our no. 2 keeper and Webber could step up as no 3).

It also depends on what our transfer budget is as £50m has been widely quoted as has 50p

I would argue Townsend, ward, and Cahill

Not sure what others think but I don't know why Ward gets such a hard time ... he really puts in 100% and despite getting on a bit would make a great number 2 if need be .... reminds me of Delany in terms of Palace loyalty and effort.

What would we give for a striker who can score four games in a row?

We really have no idea about anything regarding the contracts some of the players may of already agreed to go or stay verbally.

It was the same thing with Roy we didn't have a clue until he came out announcing he was going.

Palace wont release anything until they want to I expect they already know who next manager is but are waiting for correct time this will be around the same time we will see some of the announcements for players who have signed new deals.

(VPN) - [Link]
(Alt VPN) - [Link]