February 12 2001

Hayden Mullins

Crystal Palace youngster Hayden Mullins has been linked with a move to London rivals Fulham. The First Division high-flyers are looking to bolster their squad for the Premiership next season.

Fulham boss Jean Tigana is reported to be keen on signing the young midfielder but Palace don't seem to be willing to sell him.

The player himself seems to be keen on making the switch to Craven Cottage according to Fulham insiders.

Hayden Mullins is valued at £2.5m but Fulham are thought to bid nearer £5m if they want to sign the former England u21 international.

Meanwhile, Palace boss Alan Smith said that he believed that The Eagles can be a real force in the First Division next season.

Crystal Palace are 17 points away from a play-off place at the moment but Alan Smith is confident that his side can be like Fulham next season.

"We could be a real force next season. The way we go forward with style and purpose and without any cynicism is so refreshing.

"The average age is just 21 and we could have been up their now fighting it out at the top if our season had got underway a bit quicker but now we've a great chance to see how far we can finish up the table before the end of the season," the Eagles manager said.