Thursday 7 November 2019 14:32, UK
Crystal Palace manager Frank de Boer has confirmed he is trying to sign "quality" players before Thursday's transfer window deadline.
The Dutchman, whose Palace side have lost all three of their opening Premier League games and sit 19th in the table, admits the south London outfit need to recruit further reinforcements before the close of play on August 31.
Chairman Steve Parish said on Saturday - prior to Palace's 2-0 home defeat to Swansea on Saturday - that he was hopeful deals will be done, adding the Eagles have "got some firepower left" when it comes to transfer activity.
"We are looking for players of course," De Boer said.
"But it has to really give quality to us. We will see.
"The club is focusing on the players that maybe we are going to get, and I am focusing on the team to get the right freshness for the Burnley game."
Palace have been linked with a move for Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho for much of the summer following his successful loan spell at Selhurst Park last season.
The 27-year old, who is valued at £30m, played a leading role in securing Palace's status as a Premier League side under Sam Allardyce, though De Boer refused to be drawn on whether the club will move for the Frenchman this week.
"I don't know," De Boer replied, when asked about the possibility of signing Sakho.
"We know what kind of impact he had last season. But for now, I can't say about it."
De Boer's men have endured a poor start to the new season following three consecutive defeats without scoring a goal, but he maintains his team's lack of form is not due to a change in playing style.
The Dutchman has implemented a more passing-based approach at Selhurst Park, which differs from the direct football the team played under Allardyce last season. However, he is remaining patient that the results will soon improve.
"I don't see it as a change of style. It was not different to Liverpool where I thought we did really well," De Boer added.
"If we play 3-4-3, 5-3-2 or 4-3-3, everybody knows what they have to do, but it all starts with courage when you have the ball.
"Defending is not the most difficult thing, but when you have the ball, you have to make the right choices."
