August 31 2000

Craig Harrison

Alan Smith has signed Middlesbrough left-back Craig Harrison for £200,000 - but is refusing to raise his 2.2m offer for Southampton striker James Beattie.

Harrison, 22, has been on loan at Palace since the start of the season and has played in every game under Smith.

The Palace boss is also wants to agree a deal for Latvian international goalkeeper Alex Kolinko, who cut short a trial at Palace to represent his country in a World Cup qualifier against Scotland on Saturday.

But England U-21 striker Beattie will only join Palace if Southampton boss Glenn Hoddle agrees to accept Smith's original offer.

Smith said: "We have made what we consider a very good offer for Beattie, in excess on 2M but it was refused. The deal is off unless they change their view.

"Harrison has looked a very good player and we always wanted to get him permanently.

"We also like the Latvian 'keeper and he did well on trial. We will watch him against Scotland and take it from there."

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