New Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis has reportedly sent scouts to watch 6'7" Brondby striker Simon Makienok in case he fails to persuade Stoke City to sell Peter Crouch.

Pulis is hoping to add Crouch, whom he signed while he was in charge at the Britannia Stadium, to his squad in January to help Palace's fight against relegation from the Premier League.

However, Stoke are unlikely to want to part with the former England international forward, who has started the Potters' last seven top-flight games, and therefore Pulis is being forced to look at possible alternatives.

The Mirror reports that he has instructed Palace director of football Iain Moody to report back on Makienok, who is apparently one of four forwards that Pulis feels can flourish in his direct style of play, with a view to a January move.

Makienok has scored 26 goals in 55 appearances since signing for Danish outfit Brondby in March 2012.