CRYSTAL Palace are believed to have blocked Dougie Freedman’s attempt to take left-back Dean Moxey on loan.

The Wanderers boss had been waiting patiently for his former Selhurst Park charge to become available but sources at the club now say he has had to look elsewhere.

Moxey was a mainstay of Freedman’s side during his time at Palace and it is understood he enquired about his availability last summer. But since Marc Tierney broke his leg nearly five months ago, he has been one of the top names on his shortlist of potential loan signings, should they become available.

Another Palace player – Norwegian defender Jonathan Parr – was made available for loan last month but has since recovered his place under Tony Pulis.

Moxey was criticised for his performance in the 3-0 Premier League home defeat to Newcastle United, a game in which he was substituted at half time for Parr, and has since played just once for the South Londoners.

But Pulis is reluctant to head into the final third of the season without back-up in every position – and while it was hoped the Palace boss would see Joe Ledley as an option in the left-back position, the current indication is that Moxey will remain with the club at least until the summer.

Freedman faces a defensive conundrum in this weekend’s derby with Blackburn Rovers with Matt Mills ruled out and Zat Knight the only senior cover available.

Tyrone Mears continues his exile from the first team, and is not considered to be a viable option, while Cian Bolger has returned from a loan spell at Southend United with an ankle injury.

Freedman postponed his weekly press conference yesterday to continue his search for defensive cover but appears to have hit a brick wall in his pursuit of Moxey, the former Exeter City and Derby County wing-back.

Meanwhile, Wanderers Under-21s’ home game against Arsenal, originally due to be played on April 4 at Leyland, will now take place on Monday, March 31 at 7pm.

It has been rumoured within the club that Stuart Holden could be pencilled in to play against the young Gunners, although there has yet to be any official confirmation.