August 31 2018

Bakary Sako

Winger Bakary Sako could be in line for a surprise return to Crystal Palace.

The 30-year-old was among a raft of players who was offered a new contract by Palace in the summer but the Mali international turned it down.

Sako, who scored six goals last season, suffered fractured ankle and damaged ligaments during Palace's game with West Ham in February which ruled him out for the season.

As he is still without a club, Sako has got back in touch with the Eagles about the deal even though Palace are unable to sign anyone until the winter transfer window opens.

Eagles manager Roy Hodgson said he is open to taking the free agent back if terms can be agreed between him and the club.

"Obviously at the time, the contract offer he received was not one he was happy with, and he perhaps thought he could do a lot better elsewhere," said Hodgson.

"Maybe he has now rethought the matter. We like him and he likes us, so I don’t have any problems if a situation presents itself where we have a gap in our squad and he is happy with the contract being offered, and we are happy with the contract on offer, I would be happy to see him back."