Crystal Palace target Hogan Ephraim has moved a step closer to a Selhurst Park switch after admitting his future lies away from West Ham.

Eagles boss Taylor revealed he is interested in acquiring the 19-year-old forward's services earlier this week and it now seems his chances of swooping for the Upton Park starlet have increased after Ephraim admitted he is likely to leave the Premiership big-spenders.

Ephraim has fallen down the pecking order at the Boleyn Ground after Alan Curbishley's summer acquisitions Craig Bellamy, Julien Faubert and Freddie Ljungberg - and it now seems the youngster has decided to cut his losses in search of first-team football.

However, Taylor will face stiff competition for his signature from fellow Championship rivals Colchester United where Ephraim made 21 appearances as part of a loan deal last year.

Ephraim said: "It doesn't look like I'll be in West Ham's first team now so I'm hoping for a loan move so that I can get regular football."

"There has been a few clubs interested but only one has made firm contact with West Ham."

He added: "I've asked the manager whether I can choose the club that is right for me to go on loan to but he may have a different preference and I would respect that."