February 22 2007

Dougie Freedman

Peter Taylor is set to offer Dougie Freedman a new deal.

Freedman, 32, is one of several players whose contracts are up at the end of the season.

And boss Peter Taylor insists he wants the striker, who has three goals this term, to remain at Selhurst Park.

Taylor said: "I want Dougie to stay here and he knows that. It would make things a little easier if we could be back in the Premiership.

"Dougie is an excellent professional. He can play anywhere in a very disciplined way. He shows real quality when we have the ball and he gets into areas where he is very hard to mark."

Freedman added: "I would love to stay. But I don't think it is my future we are talking about now.

"It is the future of the club, where we are at and where we are going, which is more important.

"If the club are heading in the right direction, where they should be, I think that will take care of my future.

"I'm 32 years old. I will continue to play for another three or four years, that is not a problem. But I would like to be at Crystal Palace."