Connor Wickham facing retrospective three-match ban as Crystal Palace striker search intensifies

Crystal Palace's need to sign a striker has intensified with Connor Wickham facing a three-game ban for his elbow on Jan Vertonghen.

Wickham caught Vertonghen in the face during Saturday’s 3-1 defeat against Tottenham and the FA could take action. Palace manager Alan Pardew is keen to sign a striker before the transfer window closes and a suspension for his main forward would increase the need to bring a player in.

Referee Martin Atkinson took no action against Wickham but the 22-year-old may be charged with violent conduct if the officials did not see the incident. A three-man panel of former referees would then decide if it is a red card offence.

Pardew and chairman Steve Parish are searching the market for striker, with Emmanuel Adebayor and Nicklas Bendtner on a list of targets. Another option is Loic Remy but it remains to be seen if Chelsea will let him go.

“It is seven days [until the window closes] so me and Steve are going to be looking at that very closely and we hope to bring someone in,” said Pardew.