Eagles launch £500k Pearson bid

[Olzy]

Crystal Palace have made a £500,000 offer for Celtic midfielder Stephen Pearson - but could face competition from rivals Derby and Wolves.

Hoops boss Gordon Strachan is keen to raise funds as he looks to add European experience to his squad, and could be tempted to sell Pearson who has not been able to hold down a regular first-team place since his move from Motherwell.

However, Pearson wants to fight for his place at Parkhead.

He told the Daily Record: "I am really determined to work as hard as possible and prove I can hold down a place with Celtic.

"The manager has a lot of good players and might be bringing in more but I believe in myself.

"This is a great club, a huge one, and I want to make sure I remain part of what's going on and that's why I'm going to do my best to try to get into the team on a regular basis."

The offer from Palace is believed to be £350,000 up front with a further £150,000 once Pearson has played a set number of games.

Despite his reluctance to leave, it looks like the 23 year-old may be forced to look elsewhere for regular football as the club as the money would enhance Strachan's chances of signing a quality left-back.