February 12 2001

Fan Zhiyi

Crystal Palace are hoping that Chinese international Fan Zhiyi will return from injury to face Sheffield United on Saturday week. Zhiyi picked up a hamstring injury in the FA Cup replay against Sunderland almost one month ago.

The 31 year-old is getting specialist treatment and The Eagles are hoping that he will be fit for the trip to Sheffield on Saturday, Februari 24.

Zhiyi will still be out for the games against Norwich, on Saturday, and Barnsley next Tuesday.

Also today, it has been reported that Palace have tabled a, new, £3m bid for Tranmere's talented midfielder Jason Koumas.

Rovers boss John Aldridge, however, has just issued a "hands-off" warning to any side hoping to snap up the highly-rated youngster.

Palace chairman Simon Jordan confirmed that his club made an offer for the 21-year-old. He said: "He's a very good player and we have offered Tranmere what they wanted, but they haven't returned our call, so I don't know what happens now."