Routledge: I want a new Palace deal

Wayne Routledge is keen to sign a new contract with Crystal Palace.

The highly-rated 19-year-old midfielder is out of contract in the summer and his agents are in the middle of protracted negotiations with the club about a new offer.

Routledge was the subject of a £ 3million bid from Tottenham in January and all the indications have been that Palace will struggle to hold on to him.

He leaves all contract talks to his representatives, Paul Stretford's Formation Group and the two sides appear to be some way apart on terms.

However, Routledge insists he wants to remain part of manager Iain Dowie's plans at Selhurst Park.

The winger, who was in the starting line-up for Saturday's 1-1 draw against champions Arsenal, said: "I still want to stay at Palace, why not?

"The club are building and things are changing all the time. It is an exciting period for the club so why not be a part of it? Iain Dowie is an important factor.

"What him and his staff have done since they came here has been monumental and he wants to continue that. The interest in me was more flattering than anything. If big clubs like Spurs are interested in me it is a big boost to my confidence.