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Crystal Palace Exclusive: Sam Allardyce plots double January raid on Sunderland
SAM ALLARDYCE is plotting a return to his former club Sunderland as he steps up his bid to keep Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Sam Allardyce wants to bring Sunderland's Patrick van Aanholt and Jermain Defoe to Crystal Palace
Allardyce has been busy drawing up a list of transfer targets and Sunderland stars Patrick Van Aanholt and Jermain Defoe are in his sights.
He has made a left back one of his biggest priorities for the January transfer window and rates Van Aanholt highly.
The Dutch international was at the centre of a heart scare earlier in the season but has since been given the all clear by specialists.
Defoe has scored eight goals for Sunderland so far this season
The former England boss also wants a goalscorer and will attempt to better any offers for Defoe from another of his former employers West Ham United.
David Moyes is keen to keep hold of Defoe who he feels his Sunderland's best chance of avoid the drop at the end of the season.
Defoe will be able to move for free in the summer because of a clause in his £70,000 a week contract but Sam Allardyce is ready to move for him now and bring him to Crystal Palace.
Van Aanholt has impressed at left-back for Sunderland this season
But Allardyce is ready to take advantage of the knowledge Sunderland only have limited funds to spend on players by making a double offer.
He is also interested in Norwich City's Ireland international Robbie Brady who need to sell off players in a bid to raise funds.
They are believed to want money for some new signings but also so they can afford to sack struggling boss Alex Neil who is due a £2 million pay off.
Allardyce said: "Maybe a centre half is something we will look at, but a left back is our main priority. We simply don't have a recognised one at the moment, and I am looking first and foremost for a left back from this country with Premier League experience to help us become more balanced."