Swansea defender Ashley Richards is poised to join Crystal Palace on loan for the rest of the season, according to reports.

Palace boss Ian Holloway is keen to bolster his defensive options during this month's transfer window and he has targeted a move for full-back Richards.

Holloway has beaten a host of Championship rivals to Richards' signature with several clubs expressing an interest in taking the 21-year-old on loan.

Richards is highly-rated at Swansea, but he has seen his first-team chances limited this season, making just four appearances so far.

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup is willing to loan out the Wales international so that he can get some valuable first-team action under his belt.