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Babayaro turns down Palace loan move
Last updated : 21 December 2004 By Nik Taylor
Iain Dowie has been snubbed in his attempt to bring out-of-favour Chelsea defender Celestine Babayaro to Palace on a season-long loan.
But the move clearly signals Dowie's desire to bring in some heavyweight competition for Danny Granville's left-back spot.
The Eagles were among three Premiership clubs vying for the Nigerian's signature, but the defender chose to turn down offers from Palace, West Brom and Middlesbrough in order to fight for his place in the Chelsea team.
The 26-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer and can't even get on the Blues bench at the moment, said: ''I'm looking forward to playing my 200th game for Chelsea in the next couple of weeks and will definitely stay until the end of the season.''
''I'm flattered that several clubs are interested in me but I have no wish to leave Chelsea.
''I'm very happy at the club and want to put them in a position where they have to offer me a new contract."