Crystal Palace desperately need to score more goals next season, but Dean Windass isn't surprised that Patrick Vieira hasn't looked into signing free agent Daniel Sturridge.

The Eagles managed just 41 goals in their Premier League last term, with only six teams netting on fewer occasions - five of which were the bottom five at the end of the campaign.

Last season's second top goalscorer Christian Benteke has already extended his deal in south London, but Vieira still needs to bolster his front line.

Chelsea's Tammy Abraham has been linked, as has Ivan Toney from Brentford. However, those two would cost at least more than £30m, with the latter of those closer to £40m.

Someone that would cost Palace nothing is Sturridge, who's scored 76 Premier League goals across spells with Man City, Chelsea, Bolton, and Liverpool.

However, the former England striker hasn't played a competitive fixture since February 2020 when he was with Turkish outfit Trabzonspor and was a free agent for the whole of the 2020-2021 season.

The 31-year-old is currently training with newly-promoted La Liga Real Mallorca as he looks to return to playing once again.

But when asked whether he's shocked Palace didn't attempt to bring him to Selhurst Park, Windass exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

"He's too injury prone. He's an unbelievable footballer, unbelievable talent. Daniel Sturridge, would he get me goals? Yes, he would, but how long would he play for?

"If I'm in the trenches, will he dig me out? No. His days are numbered in English football. You can't rely on players like that, every little niggle. He's had his time."