Glen-Eagles combination a possibility as Palace swing for Johnson

Crystal Palace have been one of the surprise packages this second half of the season, since former player Alan Pardew took over the helm as manager, as they find themselves all-but safe from the drop and up in 12th.

They are now tempting 16/1 chances with Coral to finish the Premier League campaign in the top 10.

As they are virtually assured of staying up, the Eagles can already afford to plan ahead of next term, and are reportedly set to swoop for Liverpool right back Glen Johnson, who is out of contract in the summer.

The defender recently all-but confirmed he was to move on after a six-year sell with the Reds (8/1 top four chances), saying: “I haven’t got a contract so it doesn’t look as if I will be staying.

“We will have to see if that is going to change but I don’t think so.”

If a move to palace does come off, it would mark a return for Johnson to London, as he began his career with capital clubs West Ham United, Millwall (on loan) and then Chelsea.

It remains to be seen if Pardew does go for another right back, though, as he currently has the likes of Joel Ward, who recently signed a contract extension, another former Liverpool player Martin Kelly and Adrian Mariappa.

But the opportunity to sign an England half centurion for free would surely be too tempting to pass up for an ambitious club such as Palace.

However, the Selhurst Park side will not be the only team tracking Johnson, with his old side West Ham said to be after him, as well as outfits abroad.

There is even a possibility that Liverpool could decide to offer the 30-year-old an extension to stay at Anfield, as Brendan Rodgers was recently hit with the news that young full back Jon Flanagan may be out for up to nine months.