Crystal Palace boss Hodgson makes transfer admission over on-loan Chelsea striker

BY SAM SMITH

Michy Batshuayi has been appreciated at Crystal Palace this season, but boss Roy Hodgson says the Belgian’s future is not in the hands of the South Londoners.

Batshuayi has been on loan from Chelsea since January and has netted six times in 13 appearances.

The former Marseille striker capped his temporary spell with a well-taken brace in the 5-3 victory over AFC Bournemouth today.

But did his performance strengthen the conviction Palace had to sign him?

“The conviction did not need strengthening, it’s just not in our hands,” said Hodgson.

“When players belong to another club you can say ‘we would like him’ but there needs to be an agreement struck. I do know that Michy Batshuayi has been happy with us and that has shown in his football.

“It has been pretty obvious that we appreciate him, although I took him out of the team for a while because you never know with loan players – whether they will be with you next year and maybe favoured a player who is going to be with us next year.”

PICTURES BY KEITH GILLARD