Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson eyeing up January swoop for Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere
Former England boss is a big fan of the Gunners' academy graduate and will monitor his progress before making a bid in the New Year
ROY HODGSON is reportedly looking at making a bid for Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere.
The former England boss was appointed by Crystal Palace after they sacked Frank de Boer just four games into the new season.
And the are reporting that Hodgson would jump at the chance of taking Wilshere, 25, in January.
Hodgson, 70, will keep an eye on the England international's progress until the New Year and then decide whether or not to swoop.
And the report claims if Wilshere is still unable to break into Arsene Wenger's first-team plans, he will attempt to bring him to Selhurst Park.
Wilshere's current contract at the Emirates is up at the end of the season and could be tempted to flog him in January to make some cash.
Hodgson picked the Arsenal academy graduate 29 times during his tenure as Three Lions chief.
Wilshere is in line to make his first appearance for the Gunners' first team in over a year tonight when they host Cologne in the Europa League.
Wenger will rotate his squad for the European competition that will give Wilshere the chance to prove his worth.
And Wenger confirmed he will be selected and play for the club for the first time in 13 months.
Wenger said: “There was always a huge pressure on him to come back as quickly as possible and to expect a lot.
“If he can combine the two, keep calm and focus on the job, he is on a good way. If he is injury-free, he will come back to his best.
“In training, he is getting stronger. He has been injured at the start of the season so he was a bit behind the others.
“Every game is an opportunity for him and this season is a good opportunity.
"I didn’t talk to him at all after the red card because I was not at the game and I could understand his reaction.
Wilshere's future was up in the air all summer as he recovered from a leg-break which cut his loan spell at Bournemouth short.
But after deciding to stay at the Emirates and fight for his place, Wenger is ready to give him the opportunity to force his way back into his plans.
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