Why Crystal Palace had to pull out of deal to re-sign Bakary Sako

Crystal Palace had to pull the plug on re-signing Bakary Sako after Jason Puncheon’s loan deadline day switch to Middlesbrough collapsed.

The South London Press has been told that the Eagles were ready to push through a deal for the 30-year-old attacker, who has been a free agent since his contract with the South Londoners ended in June.

Palace wanted Sako to prove his fitness after being ruled out since early February with a fractured ankle. If Puncheon had joined Boro it would have opened up a slot in their 25-man Premier League squad.

The Malian international, right, is being linked with the Teessiders along with Forest and Aston Villa.