Crystal Palace boss asked about January transfer window plans

Roy Hodgson says he is confident that Crystal Palace will act in the January window if any potential deal fits within the club’s means.

The 76-year-old admitted after the summer transfer window that the Eagles missed out on two signings.

Palace were working on a deal for Chelsea youngster Lewis Hall, who joined Newcastle United on loan with an obligation to buy. The Eagles were also heavily linked to PSG forward Hugo Ekitike on deadline day.

Creative duo Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise have both missed games this season due to hamstring injuries. France U21 attacker Olise has missed the entire campaign.

Eze, 25 and Olise, 21, have both signed new deals this season.

When asked whether the duo’s return changes plans heading into the winter window, Hodgson said: “All clubs in the Premier League will be looking in the January transfer window to see if there is anything they can do, or whether there are any players they can add, who can give them a better chance of finishing the season well.

“I don’t think we will be in any different position to that. But that’s work which is always in progress. 

“Dougie Freedman works ceaselessly trying to look at players and opportunities, as does Steve Parish.

“I’m confident that if there is something that can be done in the January window, then they will do it.

“But everything has to be within the club’s means. This is the equation that they have got to balance at all times.”