Roy Hodgson has admitted that Conmor Wickham needs regular game time as speculation mounts around his future.

The Crystal Palace striker has been heavily linked with a loan exit from Selhurst Park this month with Sheffield Wednesday said to be leading to race for his signature.

According to the Daily Mail, a loan deal for the striker could be agreed in the coming days.

Wickham's future with the Eagles looks to be in doubt with Christian Benteke coming back from injury and the club completing the loan signing of Cenk Tosun from Everton.

That has pushed the former Sunderland man down the pecking order, leaving Hodgson to admit that he won't stand in Wickham's way if he wants to move on.

As quoted by Football London, Hodgson said: "He needs a regular game of football.

"He knows we can’t guarantee that here, with [Christian] 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."

QUIZ: Can you name these 12 rarely-seen Sheffield Wednesday players?

The verdict

A move to Hillsborough certainly seems to be edging closer for Connor Wickham.

The player is in need of a move to reignite his career after a number of injuries, and Sheffield Wednesday could be the ideal place to do that.

The Owls would be getting a cracking player which means it's a move that could be ideal for all parties.