Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on Barcelona’s wantaway striker Paco Alcacer.

Alcacer has started just seven league games since moving to the Nou Camp last summer.

He has failed to hold down a regular spot and is playing second fiddle to Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi.

And according to reports in Spain, Palace will compete with Southampton to bring £26m-rated Alcacer to England in January.

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The Spain international was a prolific goalscorer with Valencia - and could solve the Eagles’ striker woes.

The club’s only recognised striker Christian Benteke has been ruled out for six weeks with a knee injury.

Palace boss Roy Hodgson has been considering moves for free agents Carlton Cole and Rickie Lambert as short-term replacements.

But Alcacer would add strong competition to Palace’s offensive options when Benteke returns to full fitness.