Palace boss Freedman hopes striker target is rough diamond he is looking for

Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman has confirmed that the club are interested in signing French striker Alexis Allart.

The 25-year-old scored 12 goals in 32 games for Ligue 2 side Boulogne last year and figures for the frontman have been as high as £300,000.

“Alexis has been in for a couple of days fitness testing,” Freedman said.

“We want to set up the fitness levels. When we make a signing we want to get it right.

The Eagles are not closing in on any other signings but work is being done to seal the deal.

“We are not close on other targets,” the manager added. “We want to get the right type in with the right characters and ability.

“We need to wait and see. It’s difficult right now when your competitors can pay big money.

“I think Hull signed a striker for £2.5million.

“When that happens, you’ve got to be patient and you have to look for that rough diamond.”