DOUGIE Freedman admits other clubs are in the running to snap up Dulwich Hamlet youngster Quade Taylor but the Palace boss is still confident he will get his man.

The highly-rated 17-year-old can play in defence or midfield and although he remains on course to join the Eagles, Freedman added it wasn’t a done deal yet.

He said: “It’s close to going through.

“We’re just waiting to see when the kid can do it.

“He’s got one or two other options but we’re in there fighting and we’re trying to get it done as soon as possible.”

The pursuit of the promising Taylor is part of a new policy by Palace to find the best youngsters in the lower leagues, a policy headed up by chief scout Steve Kember.

Freedman explained: “Steve Kember is running it, not just playing a part.

“He’s come back as chief scout, so he’s out and about with his contacts and he’s seeing what’s on the market in terms of players who can bolster our squad.

“It’s up to him and if he’s got his eye on a player, me and the chairman will just overlook it until we’re about to make the signing.”

The boss added: “We’ve got a development squad which I want to try and get under way.

“We bring very good young players into the team and I want to make sure that continues.

“I keep on wanting to add and if there’s anyone out there in the lower leagues who I think we can polish up to benefit the club, then that’s what we will try to do.”

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