We need to spend in January to survive, pleads Roy Hodgson

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed that he is trying to persuade American owners of the Premier League club Crystal Palace to release funds in order to strengthen his injury-hit squad in the January transfer window. The former England boss wants additional funds to bring reinforcements and replacements for the players that are bound to leave in January.

The Eagles managed to secure one point in a 1-1- draw against Brighton and Hove Albion on Monday. Palace's Jairo Riedewald was taken off at half-time after aggravating a hip injury making Hodgson aware of the work that must be done in January to give extra support to the squad.

“We don't really go into the January transfer market. I'm trying to persuade the American owners in particular that this is something we really need to do. I thought we needed to do it in the summer but we didn't succeed in getting the players we thought were necessary to improve our squad then. Nothing has changed, it's still the same positions I'm talking about and would like us to improve upon,” said Hodgson to the Sky Sports.

The Eagles were already missing several players, including left-backs Patrick van Aanholt and Jeffrey Schlupp, centre-back Gary Cahill and winger Andros Townsend, due to injury, while centre back Mamadou Sakho is suspended. The 72-year-old highlighted the fact that Palace chairman Steve Parish, who is part owner of the club alongside American duo David Blitzer and Joshua Harris supported his cause and were “on board” with the need to strengthen.

“I'm just hoping between us and the American owners we'll find a way to release some money because I don't think we'll find the quality we need with free transfers and loans,” concluded the ex Fulham manager.