PALACE JOIN THE FIGHT FOR WILSHERE

Portuguese guy on the team and I am surrounded by the

Brazilians and the Spaniards and the

English.

“They think it’s funny to play pranks on me.

“They’ve tied my boots to the ceiling. They’ve tossed me in the pool with all my clothes on.

“Even though we were Premier League champions, going to training every day felt like it did when you were a kid, when you were just having fun. That’s pretty rare in football, I think.

“This summer after the World Cup I’m going to convince Pep to buy some Portuguese players.

“I don’t even care whether they’re good or not.

“They just need to be very creative with pranks. That’s all I ask.”

CRYSTAL PALACE have joined the scramble to sign Arsenal midfield ace Jack Wilshere.

West Ham have already thrown their hat into the ring for the England star, who becomes a free agent at the end of this month when his contract expires.

Palace boss Roy Hodgson desperately needs to replace Ruben Loftus-Cheek after he returned to Chelsea following a successful loan spell which helped him secure a World Cup place.

Wilshere, 26, who came through the club’s academy system, fought his way back into the Arsenal first team following a long run of injuries, sparking talks of extending his contract.

But last week he gave his biggest hint yet he may be ready for a fresh start after 17 years at the club, despite the arrival of new boss Unai Emery.

Wilshere mysteriously sent out a message on his Instagram saying, ‘There comes a time when you have to choose between turning the page and closing the book’.

He admitted to being upset at missing out on a World Cup place and this may have prompted him to consider fresh horizons.

There were reports at the end of last season that he was ready to put pen to paper and sign a new deal.

But Arsene Wenger’s departure has put many decisions on hold while Emery works out his options and future plans.

Wilshere made his England debut at the age of 18 when he came on as a sub against Hungary in 2010. He made his first start against Denmark in 2011. He then suffered a host of injuries but was man of the match in a 2-1 win against Brazil in 2013.

Hodgson, then England manager, widely praised his performance and has long admired him as a player.

Wilshere spent a season on loan at Bournemouth as he returned to fitness and impressed a few clubs who would love to sign him.

But his links with Hodgson and the prospect of staying in London could sway any future decisons.