July 2 2002

Francis in talks with Carasso

Trevor Francis wants to make young French goalkeeper Cedric Carasso his first signing of the summer.

The 20-year-old has been on loan at Palace this season from Marseille and impressed playing for the reserves.

He even made a first-team appearance, coming on as a second-half substitute for the injured Matt Clarke at home to Birmingham, keeping a clean sheet.

Francis who is in talks with Carasso told the official club site: "We were hoping that Cedric would come back and resume training with the rest of the squad on Monday.

"But I understand Marseille have appointed a new first-team coach and he's quite keen to keep Cedric there.

"I believe they've offered him a new contract but we're still in negotiations with him and we're still exploring the possibility of bringing him back to Crystal Palace, so we'll have to wait and see if that goes anywhere."

Francis has ruled out signing Brentford striker Lloyd Owusu, who has attracted the interest of a host of clubs.

Francis added: "I have held talks with Lloyd Owusu over the summer. But because he's available for nothing there are a number of clubs interested in him and he has spoken to many of them.

"Since talking with him I've been informed that he’s made a decision to go to Sheffield Wednesday."

Wolves midfielder Carl Robinson is another linked with the Eagles. But Francis said: "I’m aware that Carl Robinson is available and that he’s been released by Wolves.

"He is a player that I've considered over the summer, but he’s not one that's on my list at the moment."