March 11 2003

Crystal Palace

Middlesborough striker Noel Whelan said he would consider a move to Palace when his loan expires if the offer was right.

Whelan, on loan until the end of the season from the north east side, has been frozen out and is keen on a move to resurrect his career.

He said: "The best thing would be for me to leave Middlesbrough and play my football elsewhere.

"I'd like to leave in the summer if the offer is right. If not, then I'll sit my contract out and go elsewhere afterwards.

"I'd definitely consider an offer from Crystal Palace. I wouldn't have come here if I didn't think it was the right club for me and a good place to play football.

"That's always been the first thing I've thought about."

Meanwhile, Fulham midfielder Lee Clark could join Palace this week on loan with a view to a permanent move.