Crystal Palace admit defeat in Lambert hunt

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has admitted defeat in his chase to sign Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert. The England international has decided to fight for his place at Anfield.

With the return of Daniel Sturridge expected in the next couple of weeks, Lambert is unlikely to find regular first team action at Liverpool and had therefore been linked with a loan move to the Eagles.

However, after Palace's impressive 2-1 win over Tottenham, manager Alan Pardew told reporters that a deal to sign Lambert was indeed off: "I had a conversation with Brendan [Rodgers about Lambert] but I don’t think Rickie is going anywhere. I think Rickie wants to stay there and try and win his position."