Crystal Palace manager George Burley has confirmed Middlesbrough's interest in goalkeeper Julian Speroni.

Boro boss Gordon Strachan enquired about the Argentine shotstopper last week as a replacement for his number one Brad Jones, who is set to join Liverpool if the two clubs can agree a fee.

Speroni, the Eagles player-of-the-year for the last three seasons, has just one year left on his current deal and although discussions have started over a longer contract he has yet to agree to anything.

"Middlesbrough did make an enquiry last week but it has come to nothing," said Burley.

"We are trying to get Julian on a longer term contract and discussions are ongoing."

Burley also confirmed that he was in the market for Arsenal striker Jay Simpson, who looks set for a switch to Hull instead.

"He is one of a number of players we are interested in getting," he said.

"It's not always easy to get the players you are after though.

"We are trying and we are speaking to clubs.

"We have pinpointed a few and working at building the squad but it takes time.

"It took us time to get the squad to where it is at the moment and we still have a couple of weeks left before the transfer window closes.

"The Premiership clubs are waiting for the next couple of weeks to name their 25 players and their season starts a bit later than ours.

"We have to be patient with the loans."