In good news for Melbourne Victory fans, Ian Holloway says deal with William Gallas is 'long way off' Will William Gallas be flying high for Melbourne Victory? CRYSTAL Palace manager Ian Holloway admits he has held talks with Melbourne Victory target William Gallas, but in good news for the A-League club, says the deal is a "long way off." Holloway, whose club captain is Socceroo Mile Jedinak revealed he was interested in the former Arsenal and Chelsea defender, but says the Frenchman, who left Tottenham in the summer, is "only 50 per cent fit." We are a long way off a deal with him, but I met him. Whether we can ever come to a deal I do not know," Holloway said at a press conference on Sky Sports. He was a very nice man and he admitted he is only 50 per cent fit, which might be a problem. While Palace are looking for reenforcements after a tough start to life in the Barclays Premier League - including a shock loss to Bristol City in the Capital One Cup - Gallas has become the prime candidate to fill Ange Postecoglou's vacanies at the back and in the overseas marquee slot. He told Fox Sports on Thursday: "I think with players like William Gallas you can never say whether you are close or not. While it's unusual for a marquee slot to be filled by a defender, Gallas fits the bill for what Postecoglou is looking for.