Kinnear keen on Selhurst return with Palace

Joe Kinnear is at the top of Crystal Palace's wanted list as they look for a new manager.

The former Wimbledon and Luton boss has been identified by chairman Simon Jordan as the man to revive the fortunes of the club, who have slumped to the fringes of the First Division relegation zone.

Although central defender Kit Symons has been appointed in a caretaker role, Jordan wants someone with a proven track record.

Kinnear would welcome the challenge. "There has been no contact but Palace would have a big attraction for me," he said today.

"I have always regarded them as a club of huge potential. I have been waiting for the right opportunity to get back into football and we will have to wait to see what happens."

Jordan is thought to be impressed with Kinnear's success, especially at Wimbledon where, on a shoestring budget, he earned millions for the then Selhurst Park tenants with his wheeling and dealing in the transfer market.

After leaving Wimbledon he took Luton out of the Third Division but was sacked when the club was taken over earlier this year. His case for compensation is being dealt with by the League Managers Association.

"Now I am ready to come back into football," said Kinnear, who has been in Spain recently supervising the building of a new house.