Alan Pardew refuses to discuss Everton's approach for Yannick Bolasie
Thursday 11 August 2016 14:25, UK
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew insists Yannick Bolasie will not be leaving the club before the opening round of Premier League fixtures this weekend.
Sky sources understand that Palace have already accepted a £30m bid from Everton for the 27-year-old winger.
However, Pardew refused to comment on Bolasie's future a press conference on Thursday.
"We've got nothing concrete to announce today, other than a lot of rumours. There's nothing that's going to happen before the weekend," said Pardew ahead of Saturday's opening day fixture against West Brom.
"Yannick is contracted here. He's a great player and a great person, I love him. We'll treat him with the utmost respect in any situation.
"Bolasie, and my conversations with him, will stay private."
Palace have been linked with a number of possible replacements for Bolasie, including Everton's out-of-favour forward Oumar Niasse, who could join the Eagles on loan as part of a swap deal.
The Selhurst Park club are also in talks to sign Liverpool striker Christian Benteke, after having a £25m bid for the Belgium international rejected last month.
Pardew says he is aiming to bring in at least two more players, although that number could rise if Bolasie secures his move to Merseyside.
"There's only one way for us and that's to improve and get better. Change is good," said Pardew.
"This is going to be a team in transition this season. We've added three players who I think will take us forward and we will hopefully bring in two more.
"We want to take the club forward in a manner where we don't lose the spirit and the soul of this football club. This club has grown massively. We're in unprecedented territory - our fourth year in the top division.
"Without having a transfer out, I would expect us to add two more players. I've tried to be transparent because our fans deserve that. When they walk in that stadium they will see a stronger team this year."
