Palace boss Pardew hoping to sign Lambert for a second time

Premier League relegation joint third-favourites Crystal Palace (13/8 with Coral) are reportedly lining up a bid to sign Liverpool (13/2 to finish in the top four) striker Rickie Lambert.

New Eagles boss Alan Pardew has signed and worked with England international Lambert before whilst at Southampton, where the frontman made his name.

But the former Newcastle United manager has taken over a side in trouble, as they sit at the top of the relegation zone after 20 games, one point from safety. Goals have also been an issue, as they have netted just 20 this season so far, so a move for Lambert, who scored 13 in the Premier League last term, would be a real coup.

Lambert, who turns 33 in February, has struggled since his £4.5m summer transfer to boyhood club Liverpool, though, scoring just twice in 22 games in all competitions, with most of his appearances being from off the bench.

One of those goals was against the Eagles, who won 3-1 that day, and the London outfit are keen to bring the England international back down south to help their quest for survival.

There may be a slight dent in Palace’s plan, however, as they will have to persuade Brendan Rodgers, whose side are also struggling in front of net, to let Lambert go.

The Reds already lost star striker Luis Suarez in the summer, while fellow prolific scorer from last season Daniel Sturridge has been sidelined for much of this term.

Diminutive starlet Raheem Sterling has had to be used up front on his own in some games and Liverpool’s attempts to bring back Belgian Divock Origi from his loan spell at Lille are proving troublesome.

Dwight Gayle has been Palace’s leading scorer this term with seven, but only has two in the league. Other strikers Fraizer Campbell and Marouane Chamakh have netted just four times between them in all competitions, meaning midfield destroyer and captain Mile Jedinak has had to chip in with five.