January 8 2004

Andy Johnson

Iain Dowie is hoping the Premiership transfer window slams shut without receiving any bids for Palace players, particularly in-form striker Andy Johnson, writes Joseph O'Shea.

So far the January window has seen very little transfer activity and Dowie will be happy if it stays that way until the end of the month, as he gets to know his squad.

Johnson has already scored 15 goals this term, bettering last season's 14, and his new manager has a clear message for any potential suitors.

He said: "Chris Coleman said over my dead body' about Louis Saha and the same goes for Andy Johnson.

"He's not going anywhere. He's a 22-year-old, he's the future of Crystal Palace. Players like him have got the hunger, desire and work hard we need."

"It is very early days in the transfer window but we have not heard anything yet."

Johnson was taken off at half-time against Spurs as a precaution to protect a hamstring niggle and should feature against Burnley on Saturday.

Palace will also resist any bids for out-of-contract winger Julian Gray, who has featured in all three of Dowie's starting line-ups, unless they match chairman Simon Jordan's £500,000 valuation.

Gray has made positive noises about life at Palace under Dowie, and may yet sign the contract extension he rejected in February last year.

The one player who Palace might have been expected to welcome bids for is Danny Granville who has been on the transfer list since the start of the season, but made an impressive if brief first appearance under Dowie as a substitute on Saturday.

Dowie said: "There no reason why Danny can't have a future at this club. He has got to show me what he is capable of. He's been excellent and has worked hard in training. He has played at the top level at good clubs. There is no reason he can't come off the list if he shows hunger, commitment and good team performances."

Like many other managers, Dowie was in Milton Keynes last week running the rule over Wimbledon's young squad including captain Nigel Reo-Coker, who attracted a £500,000 bid from Jordan last month. If the Premiership window closes and 19-year-old Reo-Coker is still with the Dons, Jordan will revive his interest.

Norwegian goalkeeper Thomas Myhre has extended his loan spell at Palace until January 18, but Sunderland want him available for the FA Cup fourth round, which is why he could not play on Saturday.

Dowie added: "It gives me another chance to have a look at him."

Defender Rob Edwards is suffering from an ankle injury and if he recovers quickly Dowie may try and extend his loan period from Aston Villa.

Join Joseph for Live Croydon Guardian text commentary this Saturday for Palace v Burnley