New Palace boss to swoop for Gunner Wilshere

LONDON: Roy Hodgson is plotting a January move for Arsenal star Jack Wilshere.

Newly-appointed Crystal Palace boss Hodgson is a huge fan of Wilshere and would jump at the chance of signing the 25-year-old when the transfer window reopens.

The new Eagles chief will monitor how Wilshere's season develops ahead of the January window.

If the Arsenal star continues to play a peripheral role then Hodgson is likely to make a beeline for the talented midfielder.

His existing deal expires at the end of the season meaning Arsenal may look to cash in on their academy graduate to prevent him leaving for nothing next summer.

Wilshere was a key man for Hodgson during the 70-year-old's reign as England manager, selecting the midfielder 29 times.

Hodgson's reign as Palace boss got under way on Wednesday morning as he took his first training session after being formally appointed on Tuesday night.

Palace have lost their opening four Premier League games without scoring a goal - a sequence that led to Frank de Boer's sacking on Monday.

Nevertheless, Hodgson insists he can deal with the pressure of keeping his new club in the Premier League.

“The money improves every year and the thought of relegation gets more and more frightening for the teams that are going to be threatened by it, so there's no doubt the pressure has increased.

“But you take on every job knowing what the benefits and the shortfalls and problems are likely to be and I go into this job with open eyes, with great enthusiasm and a great energy which has certainly been boosted by the fact I've had a bit of time away from the game. “Daily Mail