Thrifty Dowie takes his time on signings

Crystal Palace have given trials to two Russia-based players in their search for a new striker.

Manager Iain Dowie decided to take a closer look at CSKA Moscow's Sergei Dadu, a Moldovan, and Argentine Nicolas Pavlovich, who plays for FC Saturn.

Hopes of signing three new players during the transfer window are fading fast and Dowie said: "It's important to sign new players but we're not in a financial position to take a risk."

River Plate have rejected Palace's offer of £2.75million for Colombian midfielder Jairo Patino but negotiations will go on.