CHUNG-YONG Lee has expressed his disappointment that his return to Wanderers broke down on deadline day.

The South Korea international revealed he had been packing to return to the North West when he was told by ex-Bolton boss Dougie Freedman – now Palace’s sporting director – that the move had been put on hold.

Wanderers had lined the 29-year-old playmaker up for a loan move until the end of the season which would have guaranteed him first team football and increased his chances of making this summer’s World Cup.

But when the plug was pulled at the last moment, Chung-Yong admits he tried to bargain with Freedman and Palace chairman Steve Parish to push the deal through.

Speaking to the Croydon Advertiser, he said: “What happened last week was I ready to go up north but I got a text from Tim Coe (Palace's chief scout) and Dougie Freedman (Palace's sporting director),” said Lee.

“Unfortunately, it was down to Bakary Sako's injury (12 hours before at West Ham), and that they had to keep me at Palace and it was the best choice for the team.

“I was upset a little bit. I was at home, ready to go with my family when I got told, packing my stuff.

“I hadn't quite left, but I nearly had. I do have to think about the team, but it was a great opportunity for me to go and play.

“I tried to tell Dougie, the manager (Roy Hodgson) and the chairman (Steve Parish), but nothing changed. So on Wednesday I was really disappointed.

“Bolton were also disappointed, but I couldn't change anything. Maybe, if Bakary wasn't injured, I could have gone.

“I had to clear my head and now my focus is on my team. Now, I am OK and a bit calmer, but last week it was a little bit difficult to focus on training because of my disappointment of the situation.

“The manager and chairman have apologised to me, so I accept that and I have forgotten about the move to Bolton.

“My focus is back on my job and training to get a chance.”