Coca-Cola Divisions: Routledge rejects Palace's offer

Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has reacted with disappointment to the news highly-rated winger Wayne Routledge has turned down the offer of a new deal, and questioned the advice given to the youngster by his agent.

The England Under-21 international has produced a string of impressive displays as the Eagles battle to stay in the Barclays Premiership.

Routledge is out of contract in the summer, but because of his age would not be available on a free transfer given he has come through the trainee ranks at Selhurst Park.

Palace boss Iain Dowie hoped his close working relationship with Routledge would convince the 20-year-old to accept their "sizeable" offer of a five-year deal, thought to be worth 12,000 a week.

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he might have rejected it, but the manger wants him to stay

Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie remains resolute that the club want to keep hold of wantaway winger Wayne Routledge, at least until the end of the season.

The Premiership strugglers have so far rejected two bids from Spurs for the dynamic youngster, the latest at �2 million.

Dowie has admitted he is willing to risk losing the 20-year-old in June to a fee set by a tribunal, in a bid to secure Premiership salvation for The Eagles.

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Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie insists he has not given up hope of persuading want-away winger Wayne Routledge to sign a new deal at Selhurst Park.

The 20-year-old incurred the wrath of Palace fans earlier in the campaign by revealing he plans to quit the club when his contract expires in the summer.

Tottenham have been linked with a move for Routledge who has enjoyed an impressive first campaign in the top-flight.

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He's going, the club are just covering their backs so they get more compensation when he goes to Spurs. That's why they turned down the 1m offer in the first place, they will get a tleast double that when he moves.