Crystal Palace have handed Cameroonian midfielder Rene Bikai a week’s trial with the Selhurst Park club, with a view to a permanent deal.
The 24-year-old has had spells in Italy with Serie A sides Empoli and Fiorentina and is currently spending the week training with the Palace first team.
Bikai was recommended to Eagles boss Trevor Francis by his former assistant manager Mick Mills, when he was in charge at St. Andrews.
The midfielder is said to be good friends with Fulham defender Pierre Wome and may see a move to the South East London club as a good opportunity.
On Bikai, Francis told the Croydon Guardian: « Mick Mills wanted me to have a look at this lad to assess the level of his game.
« He has got a pedigree having been in Italy with Empoli and Fiorentina, so I will have a look at him this week and let Mick know what we think. »
Meanwhile, Palace chairman Simon Jordan has rejected a £600,000 bid from Birmingham City for captain Hayden Mullins.
Blues boss Steve Bruce is keen on the 23-year-old midfielder but Jordan has since rejected the bid from the West Midlands club.
Francis added: « The offer of £600,000 was immediately turned down by the chairman so that’s the end of it, I think.
« He’s been my captain for the last four months while I have been without Curtis Fleming, and has done a really good job. »
Simon Fudge
