Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew offered his thoughts on the forthcoming Premier League campaign in his first pre-match press conference of the season.

The Eagles welcome West Brom to Selhurst Park on the opening day but believes his side still have work to do to be prepared for the start of the season.

Returning Euros players still “not quite there”

Pardew admitted that the five players returning from European Championship duty are not quite ready for action, saying the two French players “still have some work to do,” while the three Welsh players need to be “brought back down” following the high of reaching the semi-final.

Ahead of the game with West Brom, Pardew also confirmed that Fraizer Campbell, Bakary Sako and new signing James Tomkins would miss the game through injury, whilst also stating that James McArthur is “close” but “lacks match fitness". Left back Pape Souare will also be checked having suffered an injury in last weekend’s victory against Valencia.

No deal in place for Bolasie

Transfers were the topic of the majority of the Palace boss’ press conference. Pardew denied a deal for winger Yannick Bolasie to sign for Everton is in place and said that "nothing will be confirmed" before the weekend.

Pardew also refused to comment on the potential signing of Liverpool striker Christian Benteke, who is reportedly set to sign for the Eagles for a club-record £30 million.

When asked for his view on the transfer window, the former Newcastle United boss admitted that the window closing a month into the season is “difficult for both players and managers.”

Last season saw Palace struggle in the second half of the losing, going on a 14-game winless run – albeit reaching the FA Cup final. Pardew put the poor form down to a “lack of quality and depth” and claimed this is why the club have already made three transfers who will “take the club forward.”

40 points is the priority

Pardew was quizzed on Saturday’s opponents West Brom who, under the guidance of former Eagles boss Tony Pulis, have a very similar quality squad to Palace.

Pardew admitted that the target for both side “should be 40 points,” although Palace will once again be aiming to finish in mid-table.