Thursday 1 October 2015 13:24, UK
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew hopes Dwight Gayle can continue his fine form – but says he is unaware of any contract talks with the forward.
The 24-year-old was the subject of a bid from Championship side Bristol City during the summer, one which was accepted by Palace.
But Gayle, who also attracted interest from Norwich City, turned down a move to Ashton Gate to remain at Palace, despite not being guaranteed first-team involvement by Pardew.
Gayle, however, has forced himself back into contention. He grabbed a hat-trick in the 4-1 Capital One Cup win over Charlton last month and impressed when drafted into the attack for the 1-0 Premier League victory over Watford last Sunday.
Pardew indicated Gayle would feature against West Bromwich Albion in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off, when former Eagles boss Tony Pulis returns to Selhurst Park.
Newspaper reports have suggested Palace have opened talks over extending Gayle's stay at the club beyond his current deal which expires in the summer of 2017.
But, when asked whether the player was set for a new deal, Pardew said: "It's not something I'm aware of. We obviously have to keep an eye on players' contracts as they run down, but I think we are pretty comfortable where we are.
"Signing Yannick Bolasie was a real boost for us and having key players under long contracts bodes well going forward.
"I was very impressed with Dwight last Sunday. If he had scored two goals he would have been man of the match, and he could have, he was so unlucky with a couple of chances.
"That is what he gives us and he has worked his way into the team. He will play on Saturday and hopefully he will score."
Palace completed the signing of Anderlecht winger Jason Lokilo on Wednesday after he received international clearance over the move.
Pardew feels the 17-year-old Belgian, who has been training with the club's U21s squad, has a promising future.
"Jason is a young player that we brought from abroad, he has fantastic technical ability," he added. "He has lots to do to threaten our first team, but he is a smiley boy so we hope he does well here."
Pardew also reported no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match with the Baggies.
Connor Wickham, Mile Jedinak, Damien Delaney and Joel Ward will miss the match, but all are in line to return following the international break.
"I am a bit frustrated because I have so many key first-team players missing," he said.
"That is an area we need to put right. My medical team tell me by the time we play West Ham they will be back, and that will be much better news for us.
"But we are still strong this weekend, though. We are fortunate that the starting XI who are on the sheet most weeks are still there, which is good."
