Crystal Palace seem to be on the verge of breaking into the Premier League elite and competing for European spots.

However it is a very tough ask to finish that high in the top flight; Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool are expected to make up the top six with Southampton, West Ham, Leicester, Everton, Crystal Palace and others scrapping for that coveted seventh spot.

Alan Pardew recruited wisely in the summer and might need to dip into the market once more in January to really mount a serious challenge for that European spot.

The crux of the Crystal Palace team are British and that formula works well for the Eagles. Alan Pardew might look to one of his most successful summer signings - in Andros Townsend - and look to the Championship once more for his January business.

Here are FOUR Championship players that Crystal Palace should consider this January...

Robbie Brady

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Talented and versatile Norwich player Robbie Brady is a wanted man and Norwich will try their utmost to keep him at Carrow Road in January.

The Republic of Ireland international can operate at left back, left wing, central midfield or in the number 10 role and he possesses a deadly left boot.

The 24-year-old was subject to summer interest from a number of suitors, including Leicester and West Ham, but he would fit well into Crystal Palace's system.

Jonjo Shelvey

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Jonjo Shelvey is arguably the best midfielder in the league at the moment.

The sporadic England international is a central midfielder with a great touch, awareness, passing range and long shot.

On his day, the 24-year-old can dominate the midfield in the Premier League and he is worth a gamble for Pardew.

Anthony Knockaert

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Brighton are lucky to have kept Anthony Knockaert at the club in the summer as he is definitely good enough to be playing in the Premiership.

The Frenchman is a left-footed right winger with a bag of tricks, the ability to beat defenders with ease and a goalscoring instinct.

The 24-year-old already has five goals this season from the wide areas and Championship defenders just do not know how to cope with his skill.

Scott Hogan

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If Christian Benteke gets injured then there is a real lack of goals in the current Crystal Palace side.

Scott Hogan has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence after plying his trade at a number of non-league clubs for a while.

The 24-year-old is a natural goalscorer with eight league goals to his name already this season.