Crystal Palace preparing winter window moves for Ruddy and Cook

Crystal Palace, 2/1 chances with Coral to be relegated this campaign, have identified two targets for the January transfer window, as they seek to survive a second season in the Premier League.

Eagles boss Neil Warnock is after Norwich City’s goalkeeper John Ruddy and Bournemouth defender Steve Cook, according to tabloid and local press. Recruiting from Championship teams has been a consistent theme of Palace’s time in the English top flight.

Ian Holloway recruited Adlene Guedioura (Nottingham Forest, now on loan at Watford), Jack Hunt (Huddersfield Town, now at the City Ground until January) and Adrian Mariappa (from the Hornets) in the summer of 2013. Tony Pulis followed that up last winter with captures of Scott Dann (Blackburn Rovers), reserve keeper Wayne Hennessey (Wolves) and loan signing of Tom Ince (Blackpool, now at Hull City).

With long-serving stopper Julian Speroni, a record four-time Palace Player of the Year, out of contract this coming summer, Warnock is reportedly ready to replace him in January with ex-England goalie Ruddy.

Former Everton keeper Ruddy, 28, recently criticised Canaries fans following a poor run of form in November, but the matter has been dealt with internally at Carrow Road by managerial rookie Neil Adams. Norwich could still cash in on Ruddy, however, as they have highly-rated Declan Rudd and ex-Blackburn custodian Mark Bunn on their books.

Cherries centre back Cook, meanwhile, could be at the subject of a three-way January battle for his services. Reportedly rated by Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe in the region of £2m-£3m, the Eagles are joined by fellow strugglers Leicester City (odds-on at 8/11 to go down) and West Bromwich Albion (5/2) are potential suitors.

While Ruddy has kept just five clean sheets in 20 Championship outings for East Anglia outfit Norwich, Cook has helped the south coast side seal eight shut-outs and contributed three goals to the Cherries’ promotion push.