Francis wants Murphy to stay

Crystal Palace manager Trevor Francis is holding talks with Sheffield United to extend defender Shaun Murphy's stay for a second month at Crystal Palace.

Murphy is set to play the last game of his month's loan at Grimsby tomorrow, but Francis is desperate to persuade Sheffield to part with the 31-year-old for an extended period.

Francis is still without injured pair Tony Popovic and Kit Symons (both groin) and sees Murphy as vital to his team's chances of clinching a place in the play-offs.

Defender Danny Granville is back from suspension, but midfielder Julian Gray is doubtful with an ankle injury.