Roy Hodgson: 'Crystal Palace looking at six or seven January signings'

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has said that he is looking to sign "six or seven" new players in the January transfer window as he aims to provide cover for his injury-plagued squad.

The Eagles lost Jeffrey Schlupp and Andros Townsend in Monday's FA Cup defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, adding to an injury list that contains defender Scott Dann and Jason Puncheon, who are sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Hodgson has spoken openly about his desire to strengthen this month, and he reiterated his plans when speaking to Sky Sports News.

"We have been talking about strengthening our squad for about two or three weeks into my time at the club, so literally nothing has changed in that area," the 70-year-old said. "We have been waiting for the January transfer window to fulfil our wishes and our thoughts in terms of strengthening our squad.

"That's become even more vitally important with the number of injuries we suffered. You could argue that if we said we wanted three or four then really we should be looking at six or seven, because we have lost at least two players for the rest of this season, and probably the start of next season.

"We still have two or three others who are a month away at least from being able to play. So, I don't think we are going to get that but what I am saying logically is you could argue that. At the moment we are still sifting through the candidates and they will be put before me."

Palace are also reportedly looking to provide backup for misfiring striker Christian Benteke, with Watford's Stefano Okaka said to be on the Eagles' radar.