The 31-year-old, who scored eight goals in 18 games for the Royals, returned to Selhurst Park following the 2-1 win at home to Norwich at the end of December.

Murray started against Dover in the FA Cup last weekend but was replaced at half-time by former Reading striker Kevin Doyle.

It is unclear at the moment whether Alan Pardew has Murray in his plans but Clarke is happy to play the waiting game in his bid to land the striker.

“I can't say whether it's over,” he said. “There's still an opportunity for that deal to go ahead.

“Crystal Palace have changed their manager and Alan Pardew will want a few weeks to look at his squad.

“I've been here three weeks now and I'm still assessing my squad. I understand that's what Alan has to do.

“I'm not going to write that deal off just yet.”

Murray spoke earlier this week about his desire to stay at Selhurst Park but admitted he needed to clarify how Pardew sees him.

He said: “It was nice to get some consistent games under my belt at Reading but I’m not looking to get away.

“As far as I know, I am a Palace player. I was only on loan at Reading. It is up to the two clubs. It goes beyond me. With the new gaffer, we need to speak and I am sure we will.”