Exclusive – Burley: ‘Davids deal is 80 per cent certain’

Crystal Palace boss George Burley has told talkSPORT that he is 80 per cent certain of completing a stunning deal for Dutch legend Edgar Davids.

The 37-year-old, capped more than 70 times by Holland, hasn't played since leaving Ajax in 2008 but has held talks with the Championship club about making a shock return.

And Burley admits he is optimistic the three-time Champions League winner will pen a pay-as-you deal within the next few days.

When asked if he thought Davids will become a Palace player, the Eagles boss told Drive Time: “Yeah, I’m positive. I would say it’s 80/20 for.”

He added. “He’s been training for the last six months with Ajax and the boy is keen to start playing again.

“He wants another challenge in football and hopefully things will materialise in the next day or so.

“I’ve had a number of chats with him so I’m optimistic. I’m quite positive about it. It would be great for the fans and the young players to work with somebody with that talent.

“It will be a pay-as-you-play thing – if Edgar feels it’s not right he’ll go but if he is enjoying it and he is fit then he has got a chance to get in the team.”