Alan Pardew admits Rickie Lambert interest

Alan Pardew has admitted that he contacted Liverpool over bringing Rickie Lambert to Crystal Palace, but does not expect a move to materialise.

Speculation is rife that Palace will challenge West Bromwich Albion for the out-of-favour Reds striker this month, but Pardew says that the 32-year-old is keen to stay at Anfield.

"I did have a conversation with [Liverpool manager] Brendan Rodgers, but I don't think that Rickie is going anywhere," he told reporters.

"I think that Rickie wants to stay there and try and win his position. I have no doubt that he can do that."

Lambert has netted just once in 16 Premier League outings since joining the Merseysiders from Southampton in the summer.