Roy Hodgson has given an update on Crystal Palace's pursuit of Kyle Walker-Peters.The Eagles were reportedly 'close' to securing loan deals for Cenk Tosun and the Tottenham right-back on January 8th - according to The Athletic's transfer tracker - and the Turkey striker has since been confirmed on a contract until the end of the season.However, there has been no such concrete development on the deal to sign Walker-Peters, until Hodgson shared some information on the transfer ahead of Palace's game against Arsenal.

What did he say?

According to The Athletic's Dominic Fifield, Hodgson said: "I know that the discussions are taking place, and Dougie Freedman is working very hard on that aspect. I’m optimistic and hopeful that we can get Kyle here. First hand, it was being discussed as a loan."

Would be a much-needed addition 

As things stand at Selhurst Park, the former England manager has just one natural right-back at his disposal in Joel Ward after Aaron Wan-Bissaka was not replaced following his summer move to Manchester United.

The former Portsmouth man has been out injured since the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool towards the end of November, and Martin Kelly - who seems far more comfortable at centre-back - has had to step up and fill in for him ever since.

While the former Liverpool man has done an okay job and also enabled Palace to maintain a decent run of results that currently has them sat ninth on 28 points, it is clearly a position that requires more depth - Kelly's presence at right-back has forced midfield man Cheikhou Kouyate into centre-back at times amid the recent injury crisis.

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It remains to be seen what happens with the Walker-Peters deal, although Hodgson's update does sound encouraging given that he says Dougie Freedman "is working hard" amid discussions between the two London clubs - the 72-year-old also says that he's optimistic.

One thing is for certain though - Ward needs some natural competition in the right-back role.

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