Alan Pardew has warned any clubs seeking to sign Crystal Palace’s best players that it will take hefty bids to prise them away from Selhurst Park this summer.
The Palace manager made his point after their 3-1 victory over Liverpool on Saturday, a result that not only spoilt Steven Gerrard’s Anfield farewell but also saw the visitors record their first win at Anfield since 1991. It also means Palace have matched their points total from last season with one game to go. There were also further impressive performances from Yannick Bolasie Jason Puncheon and Wilfried Zaha, which led to Pardew being asked if he feels he can hold on to the trio.
“I think we can,” he said. “The prices are going to be very high if you want to try to buy because we’re in a great position financially. Every player is for sale but it will take hefty bids to get some of our best players.”
While Pardew is enjoying a fantastic spell at Palace having replaced Neil Warnock as manager there at the turn of the year, his previous club, Newcastle, are deep in relegation trouble and could go down if they lose to West Ham during Sunday’s final round of fixtures. He could also be forgiven for taking pleasure from their demise given the troubled nature of his time at St James’ Park but the manager wishes them well.
“The only feeling I have towards Newcastle is that I hope they get over the line,” he said. “I like to think the home support will carry them through because it needs to.”
