WANDERERS are one of a handful of Championship clubs chasing Crystal Palace midfielder Barry Bannan on loan.

The left-sided Scotland international has been on the fringes of Neil Warnock’s squad so far this season, making just one Premier League appearance.

The 24-year-old is eager to find regular football to keep him in the frame for his country and it is understood he is being monitored by a number of clubs in the second tier.

But Neil Lennon may have to be patient if he intends to land the former Aston Villa man, with Warnock keen to hold on to him until January before making a decision on his future.

Doubts over the fitness of James McArthur mean Bannon could be drafted into the Palace squad this weekend at West Brom.

Lennon is keen to add some balance to his squad and has made signing a left-sided midfielder a pressing priority before the close of the loan window at the end of November.

Former Whites boss Dougie Freedman had also been keen on Bannan, who has also spent time out on loan at Blackpool, Derby County and Leeds United at this level during his early days at Villa.

Signed by Ian Holloway at Selhurst Park last summer he quickly fell down the pecking order under Tony Pulis, starting only a handful of cup games before the end of last term.

Reports also suggest that the Whites are tracking Celtic striker Anthony Stokes in a permanent deal worth £1million.

Lennon has distanced himself with speculation linking him with players from his former club and the fact the former Sunderland star is currently featuring regularly at Parkhead – scoring twice in a 5-0 rout at Ross County last weekend - would seem to diminish the chances of him moving south of the border once again.

The £1m price tag would also appear to be a stumbling block for Wanderers, who have not paid a seven-figure fee for a player since signing Jay Spearing in August 2013.

Norwich City’s Gary Hooper remains a name on the manager’s wish-list despite interest appearing to be unwelcome at Carrow Road.

The striker has been on the bench since returning from injury but could return to the starting line-up this weekend against Sheffield Wednesday because Kyle Lafferty is suspended.