January 9 2002

Crystal Palace

Trevor Francis is to give Dutch first division striker Marc De Vries a two-week trial.

De Vries has scored 12 goals in 19 games for Dordrecht FC this season and has attracted interest from Spanish and French clubs.

Francis will be keen to add to his forward line as Trevor Benjamin's loan from Leicester City has only two weeks to go and he is not interested in a permanent move.

Dougie Freedman has been sidelined with injury and competition for places will be something Francis would want.

But Palace face competition from Millwall to sign 26-year-old De Vries, who has already been on trial at the Den earlier in the season.

Simon Jordan has backed Francis to build a decent squad. He has already signed defenders Danny Granville from Man City and Curtis Fleming from Middlesbrough.