Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has hinted that Jonny Williams’ long-term future may lie elsewhere, as the midfielder steps up his fitness ahead of a fourth loan spell at Ipswich Town.

The Wales international, who featured in Euro 2016, signed for Town just before the transfer window closed and is currently sidelined with an injury picked up in pre-season.

The 22-year-old has been with the Eagles’ senior squad since the summer of 2011 but has scored just once in 69 games and has spent time out on loan with the Blues, as well as MK Dons and Nottingham Forest.

The midfielder, who Pardew confirmed can be recalled in January, has also been unfortunate with other injuries – including during his second spell with Town when he was sidelined for a while, following a tackle by Watford’s Joel Ekstrand.

Pardew told the South London Press: “We have almost had a discussion in that does Jonny need a new environment? Does he need a new start? It just seems to not be working here.

“Jonny and I just can’t seem to come together. In pre-season he’s fit and then gets injured again. It was a terrible tackle at Farnborough.

“We are at deadline day and I’m looking at my numbers and thinking I can’t see Jonny getting a game. I can’t keep him here and have him as a substitute.

“Sometimes luck plays a part. I don’t think I’ve seen him play three continuous games since I’ve been here, so it’s almost impossible for me to really think this time he should have stayed.

“The more chance I’ve got is to send him to Ipswich with the same clause as Sullay [Kaikai] to have a look. They are two players who, potentially, could boost our season.”