Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson makes big admission over Sheffield Wednesday transfer target Connor Wickham

Wickham, who has managed just 62 minutes of Premier League football since the start of the season, is wanted by Championship clubs Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol City.

His hopes of more game were dealt a further blow today after Palace completed the signing of Cenk Tosun. The Turkish international has joined the London club on loan from Everton until the end of the campaign, pushing Wickham even further down in the pecking order.

Hodgson can also call upon Christian Benteke and Jordan Ayew in attack.

When asked about Wickham's future at his pre-Arsenal press conference, Hodgson said: "He needs a regular game of football.

"He knows we can’t guarantee that here, with Benteke coming back as well. I have no interest in pushing him out of the door. He is a useful man to have around the squad.

"If the situation arises where he is knocking our door down to go out on loan, I wouldn’t stand in his way. I am relaxed about the situation."

The Star understands the Owls are keen on taking Wickham on loan as they chase a short-term replacement for the injured Steven Fletcher. Wickham is no stranger to Wednesday, having appeared 17 times and scored or made 12 goals across two loan spells earlier in his career.

Monk, whose side travel to table-topping Leeds United tomorrow, is desperate to strengthen their forward line.

“We were looking to bolster our attacking areas, and add to the squad,” he said. “Of course, with Fletcher being out for that period, it does change that factor even more.

“But we are looking at a market of loans, which is competitive, and the type of window that it is, a lot of team are after the same players.”

But Wednesday are not the only club interested in Wickham’s services. Sources in Bristol say the Robins have also held initial talks with Wickham about a possible move to Ashton Gate. It remains unclear at this stage whether the Robins are pursuing a loan or permanent deal.