Notts County striker Lee Hughes is a shock target for Crystal Palace boss George Burley.

The Mirror says Burley is desperate to land a new forward and his surprisingly turned to Hughes, the 34-year-old hit man who is still scoring goals but is available for sale.

Hughes played in the lower levels for most of his time since serving a jail sentence for a fatal car crash ­incident in his West Brom days - apart from a short stint on loan at ­Blackpool.

Burley is looking at taking Hughes to give his side some scoring threat as they try to beat the drop.

He has missed out on other targets and now hopes to do a deal with Paul Ince's club for the veteran marksman.

Hughes' wages are a drain on County and they would be willing to let him leave if the terms of the whole package are right.