FORMER Palace manager Roy Hodgson has suggested that Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah would be the exact type of player that Patrick Vieira would like to sign.

Palace have been linked with a move for the England under 23s striker since the summer.

Due to rising Covid-19 rates, it is believed that boss Vieira wants to add more depth to his team and Nketiah is a potential option.

Hodgson, who managed Palace between 2017 and 2021, admitted that Nketiah has been on the club's "radar" for a number of years.

News Shopper: Former Crystal Palace boss Roy HodgsonFormer Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson

Speaking on Sky Sports Transfer Show, Hodgson said: "He's a player that's been on the radar for a number of years let alone months.

"He's a player who I know everyone at the club admires very much, and I think he's the right type of player that Patrick [Vieira] might be interested in - a forward of his type.

"Someone who is very quick and makes a lot of runs in behind.

"They've got very tall centre-forwards they can build play through.

"I can imagine him being exactly the type of player that Patrick Vieira would like because he'd know a lot about him because I'm sure his contacts at Arsenal are still very good.

"He'll know a lot about him as a person as well."

Palace do face competition for Nketiah as Newcastle, West Ham and Brighton and Hove Albion have all been linked with the Arsenal man.