Grayâ™s plan would cost Palace fee

Crystal Palace are set to lose £750,000 after winger Julian Gray today opened negotiations over a free transfer to Bundesliga side Hannover 96.

Charlton were hoping to sign the former Arsenal player but have baulked at paying the hefty compensation fee due to Palace under Football League rules for players under the age of 24. New FIFA regulations allow players to move abroad for free at 23 and that would mean Palace missing out on any payment if he joins the German club.

Gray has trained with Charlton over the past three weeks and scored in their pre-season victory over Queens Park Rangers. However, Palace did not allow Gray to play another friendly, against Leeds.