Crystal Palace boss Peter Taylor is eyeing a loan swoop for West Ham starlet Hogan Ephraim as he looks to bolster his attacking options ahead of the new season.

The 19-year-old, who made 21 appearances on loan at Championship rivals Colchester United last season, has been earmarked by Taylor as the man to add some spark to his forward line.

But the Eagles chief insists that any potential deal is still a long way from fruition.

Taylor said: "Hogan is a player I like and on my list - but nothing is happening at the moment. As far as I know, he is still playing and training with West Ham."

After the signings of defenders Jose Fonte - whose loan deal was completed yesterday - Jeff Hughes and Tony Craig, Taylor has made no secret of his desire to bring in an attacking player, particularly after the departure of Jobi McAnuff to Watford.

Taylor has been linked with a number of players, including Chelsea starlets Scott Sinclair and Ben Sahar, who signed for QPR last week, but wants to keep his options open.

He said: "There's a chance I can bring in one more player, but I'm still looking and talking."

Taylor has not ruled out a reunion with his former Hull City right-hand man Colin Murphy, who has been linked with a move to Selhurst Park, but insists there has been no contact between them.

He said: "It could happen, but there has not been any involvement from us and anything that has been said about it has come from Hull City. I have not been back there recently."

The Eagles' pre-season preparations have been dealt a double blow with the news that Carl Fletcher and Paul Ifill have picked up hamstring strains, with the latter expected to miss the Championship opener against Southampton on Saturday, August 11.

Taylor said: "Paul could be out until the Leicester game on August 18. "It'a a blow for us. He has come back looking very fit and sharp."