Staunton could be left with choice - November 30, 2000
Liverpool's out-of-contract Irish international, Steve Staunton, is said to be close to re-signing for Aston Villa. But Crystal Palace are set to make a last-minute bid to sign the 31-year-old on a permanent deal at Selhurst Park.
Villa boss John Gregory has stated that he wants Staunton to bolster his squad as they push for a European place. Gregory will get Staunton on a free transfer so all that is left to sort is personal terms.
Gregory said: "We never wanted Staunton to go and we have missed him - he is a good player and great in the dressing room."
Stan spent a month's loan at Crystal Palace before being recalled to Liverpool because of an injury crisis at Anfield. But in his time there the Eagles form soared and they moved away from the bottom of Division One.
Now Palace chairman Simon Jordan is preparing a package to tempt Stan to return to Selhurst on a permanent basis - but he will have to wait until Villa talk to their former player first.