Scowcroft is poised for City switch

Crystal Palace striker Jamie Scowcroft is on the verge of a move to Bristol City.

The Eagles striker was left out of Neil Warnock's squad for Saturday's 4-2 defeat at Reading so he could hold talks with City.

Dougie Freedman is also mulling over a free transfer to Southend, while Nottingham Forest have had a £2million bid for midfielder Ben Watson accepted, although he still has to agree terms.

Warnock was unhappy with his team's defending in the defeat at the Madejski Stadium, which was sealed by a second-half hat-trick from Kevin Doyle.

Charlton boss Alan Pardew - who saw his side lose 2-1 at Preston on Saturday, expects Zheng Zhi to leave in a £2m deal. Pardew missed out on signing defender Paul McShane, who opted for a switch to Hull, but he is expected to beat QPR boss Iain Dowie to the loan signing of Portsmouth defender Martin Crainie.

Dowie - whose team drew 1-1 with Bristol City - might wait until January to make additions.

Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd is confident of keeping striker Tommy Smith at Vicarage Road after his side beat Ipswich 2-1 on Saturday.