EAGLES manager Neil Warnock says there is a possibility a fresh face will have arrived at Selhurst Park by the time his side take on Manchester City on Thursday.

The Championship side have had the transfer embargo imposed by the Football League lifted, paving the way for Warnock to start wheeling and dealing ahead of next Tuesday’s deadline.

West Brom striker Craig Beattie, winger Ryan Smith and defender Claude Davis are all likely candidates, with Smith already promised a short-term deal.

Warnock said: “Ryan's done ever so well. He's playing today in a practice match at Charlton and I'm going to try and give him a short-term contract for two or three months.

“I haven't been able to offer him one yet because we couldn’t take anybody on board, but he has earned a contract so I'm hoping he will come with us and show me what he can do over the next few weeks.

“We would like to get Claude Davies ready and I think we've got a hearing on Friday about his work permit, so that couldn't come at a better time.”

And on Beattie, Warnock added: “There's always a chance.

“Craig's somebody we've known for a long time and he doesn't seem to play anywhere else.

“I think I get the best out of him but we have got a few other irons in the fire at the moment, which we should know more about in the next 24 hours.

“Now that the embargo has been lifted, I'd like to get somebody on board if I could, even before Thursday.”

However, the manager laughed off internet rumours linking Crystal Palace with a move for Marcus Bent or Hameur Bouazza.

“Yep I think I should be trying to sign both of them,” he added sarcastically, making it perfectly clear to the assembled press there was absolutely no chance whatsoever either player was a target.