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Michy Batshuayi's two-goal performance against Bournemouth on Saturday was certainly food for thought for Crystal Palace fans who are surely expecting a nerve-racking summer, although Roy Hodgson has indicated that the Belgium international is keen to stay at Selhurst Park.

Batshuayi is set to return to Chelsea for pre-season with his loan spell having expired but will the Belgian get what Hodgson hints he wants?

What did he say?

Well, speaking after the 5-3 final day victory, Hodgson said:

"I do know Michy Batshuayi has been happy with us here, I think that's shown in his football. It's been obvious that we appreciate him.

"We don't know (if he'll be needed at Chelsea next season). All I know is if Michy Batshuayi is going to be available and if our club could bring him here either on loan again or buying him I would be very happy with that and I know Michy himself would be happy.

"But again, we are talking about things that are totally out of our control. What Chelsea's thinking on the subject is I couldn't possibly begin to imagine or to speculate on."

The ball's in Chelsea's court

The former England boss seems to be suggesting that conversations with Batshuayi about whether he would be open to returning to SE25 next season have already happened and, by the sounds of it, the smiley striker would love to remain in red and blue for the foreseeable future.

Although, as Hodgson says, the ball is entirely in Chelsea's court; the Blues are facing a two-window transfer ban and could well need the 6 foot 1 striker's services, with the privilege of bringing in any new faces potentially taken away.

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Palace have already missed out on an impressive Chelsea loanee in Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who decided to remain at Stamford Bridge and fight for his future last season after a stellar spell in south London - will another slip through their fingers this summer and thus put their striker search back to square one? It would seem that neither Hodgson or Batshuayi hope that's the case.

Regardless, it is extremely positive if the Palace honchos have indeed had talks with the six-goal ace about his future already - this proactive approach will hopefully see them bring in the players they need in the coming months.