Peter Taylor has played down reports linking Eagles midfielder Tom Soares with a move to Premiership side Bolton Wanderers.

A Trotters scout was rumoured to have watched the England U21 midfielder during Saturday's 1-1 draw against Burnley on Saturday.

But the Palace boss insists he has received no contact from the Reebok Stadium.

"I don't think there is anything in it," said Taylor.

"I get on extremely well with Sam Allardyce and his assistant Sammy Lee, so I think I would know half about it.

"I know how the scouting situation works.

"You ring somebody up, you leave two tickets, you never say who you are going to watch, so how anybody has associated Tom Soares to the scout from Bolton watching the game I don't know."

"But he is an outstanding player. It would never surprise me if any Premiership club was interested in him."

Meanwhile, Taylor has also reassured Michael Hughes he will be considered for selection as long as he remains at the club.

The former Eagles skipper has been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park before his contract ends in the summer, with Leeds United and Coventry City, under new boss Iain Dowie, being touted as possible destinations.

Taylor revealed he has not spoken to either Leeds boss Dennis Wise or Dowie and urged Hughes to continue working hard in training and trying to force his way back into the Palace squad.

"I have not spoke to the clubs concerned, but it would not surprise me seeing Michael linked with Coventry, with Iain being there.

"This week is the first time he has trained with us since his injury and he has done very well.

"He is in contention, without a doubt, and I have told him that.

"Before this week, he hasn't been training with us. He has had a few niggles.

"But he has got his head down this week and trained hard."

Taylor also insists he is not at loggerheads with his former skipper, despite Hughes saying in the press he was fit when his manager felt he wasn't.

"We're fine," said Taylor. "It is a professional relationship.

"I can imagine Michael is not over the moon about not playing every week and I was a bit disappointed something was said when he was not 100 per cent fit.

"He has not played his last game for Crystal Palace."

The Eagles' current injury problems could see a return for Hughes against Leicester City on Saturday.

Paul Ifill (Achilles), Jobi McAnuff (hamstring), Mark Kennedy (hamstring) and Stuart Green (shoulder) are unlikely to return for the clash with the Foxes.

But Taylor did receive some good news with the return of Shefki Kuqi following his knee injury.

In-form striker Clinton Morrison is a slight doubt with a back problem, but Ben Watson may be ready for a start after his substitiute appearance against Burnley.