To all intents and purposes, Crystal Palace are a club under siege at present.

Chronically short of cash and subject to a transfer embargo, the Eagles are under pressure to sell their prize assets.

So much so, that manager Neil Warnock could struggle to field a striker at Ashton Gate tomorrow.

Recent signing Stern John – who spent seven months on loan at City last term – suffered a broken elbow against Plymouth on Saturday and will be out for at least six weeks.

And Alan Lee, the only other available forward with first-team experience, could be off to Championship rivals Swansea City.

The Welsh outfit, who have cash to spend following the sale of Jason Scotland to Wigan for £2 million, have switched their sights to the Eagles' target man after Ipswich's Pablo Counago rejected a move.

Warnock has confirmed he is ready to let Lee go – despite the fact he is the only fit centre-forward they have.

"Alan's on the transfer list and I'll listen to offers," said the Palace boss. Although chairman Simon Jordan pumped in £5 million to prop the club up last week, Palace may be forced to sell youngsters Victor Moses and Nathaniel Clyne. Wolves and Wigan are reported to be interested in Moses, and Sunderland in Clyne.

Former City midfielder Nick Carle will feature in the Eagles squad, but is unlikely to start after falling behind Sean Derry and Neil Danns in the Selhurst Park pecking order.

New signings Freddie Sears, loaned from West Ham, and Darren Ambrose, recruited on a free from Charlton, should both be involved.