Crystal Palace midfielder Nick Carle has been linked with a move back to former club Newcastle Jets in Australia.

A report in the Brisbane Times has Jets owner Con Constantine quoted as saying Carle would welcome a return to his native country in order to enhance his prospects of playing in next summer's World Cup.

So far this season Carle has played just 10 minutes as a substitute for Palace, having lost his place to young Frenchman Alassane N'Diaye.

He was linked with a loan move to South Korea in the summer but Eagles manager Neil Warnock blocked the switch saying the 28-year-old was an integral part of his plans.

But, according to Constantine, discussions have now started about a switch back to the southern hemisphere.

''Nick is interested in coming back, and we're interested in having him,'' he said.

''Nick loves the club, and I don't have a bad word to say about the boy.

"He's always welcome back here, and obviously he'd bring a few fans to the games.

"We're talking and if we can do a deal it would be terrific but it all comes down to dollars and cents.''