Stern has played his last game for Crystal Palace

The veteran striker was one of many Eagles stars whose deal finished at the end of June.

George Burley had hoped to at least talk with John before making a final decision on his future, but the Palace boss has been unable to track him down and has now ruled out any chance of a return.

"I know Stern quite well as I took him to Southampton with me and I wanted to talk to him and see what his plans were," said Burley.

"But I haven't been able to get hold of him. I've been told that he is in the Caribbean somewhere but that's all we know.

"So I think we will move on from that one now. He won't be playing here next season."

Palace's attacking options are thin on the ground and Burley has said that he would like to add at least one new striker in the next few weeks, with ex-Eagle Clinton Morrison one of the names on his hit-list.

"We have a number of options and we hope to tie something up soon," he said.

On a more positive note young forward Calvin Andrew will sign a new contract with the club in the next few days.

Andrew, winger Kieran Djilali and reserve striker Kieron Cadogan have all verbally agreed to new deals and the paperwork is set to be finalised by the start of next week.

"It's all agreed and they'll put pen to paper in the next few days," added Burely.