Five left backs Crystal Palace could pursue in the winter window

Crystal Palace, 2/1 relegation chances with Coral, are in the market for a left back. It’s an area that Eagles boss Alan Pardew is lacking a natural option in, with Zeki Fryers now being shipped out on loan for a month to Rotherham United.

Right-footers Martin Kelly and Joel Ward have done decent jobs out of position on that flank of defence, but cannot serve as an extra attacking outlet without coming infield. This got Coral’s football experts thinking about who Pardew could bring in this January? Here’s who we came up with:

Benoit Assou-Ekotto
Cameroon outcast Assou-Ekotto is completely frozen out of the first team picture at Tottenham, and is out of contract at the end of the season. Palace could help by giving him a lifeline, but the player failed to impress on loan at QPR in Championship this term.

Jose Enrique
Out-of-favour Liverpool left back Enrique may need to leave Anfield to revive his career after being displaced in Brendan Rodgers’ XI by fellow Spaniard and summer signing Alberto Moreno. Pardew, who managed this player at Newcastle United, would value his Premier League experience highly, both from his time on Merseyside and at St James’ Park.

Bryan Oviedo
Costa Rica international Oviedo needs game time to get back up to full match-fitness after a broken leg. He is unlikely to get it at Everton, who cannot afford to carry players through in this way. Toffees boss Roberto Martinez may want to send Oviedo out on loan from Goodison Park, and the Eagles could oblige.

Pape Souare
Lille and Senegal left back Souare is about to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations with his country. As the Lions of Teranga are Group C outsiders at 5/1, their participation at the tournament could come to an end before the transfer window slams shut. Palace may have to wait to get their man, but it may be worth their while.

Neil Taylor
Pardew has reportedly failed with a £3m bid for Swansea City defender Taylor, and remains interested in Liberty Stadium teammate and French target man Bafetimbi Gomis. Garry Monk is thought to be after Tottenham full back Kyle Naughton, though, and if the Swans sign him, then a deal could be done.