September 2 2001

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace are said to be chasing defender Pierre Issa. The South African has a contract with French giants Marseille but is currently on loan with Chelsea.

The Eagles are still looking for a central defender after failing to sign Middlesbrough's Steve Vickers.

Palace need to replace Chinese defender Fan Zhiyi who will be away on international duty for almost half a season.

Johannesburg, South Africa born Pierre Issa, who starred for his country during the '98 World Cup in France, holds a French passport as well as a South African.

With his 1.95m in height, Issa is expected to be strong in the air.