04:33

Alan Pardew’s attempts to refresh his Crystal Palace squad, and reinvent the team’s style of play, have already seen him given the leeway to shatter the club’s transfer record twice this summer, first to sign Andros Townsend and then Christian Benteke. Add Steve Mandanda, James Tomkins and Loic Remy to the recruitment drive and this is already arguably the strongest squad Palace have ever had.

Yet the club expect at least two more arrivals on deadline day, with Jack Wilshere’s potential loan move from Arsenal the most mouth-watering prospect. The England midfielder has offers from virtually half the Premier League to consider - Arsenal will not countenance him moving to a direct rival for a top four place - as well as Roma, Celtic and Valencia from abroad. But, with a young family, he may be more enticed by the prospect of moving to Palace, Bournemouth or Watford.

The south London club are privately hopeful a deal will be concluded today and, with Yohan Cabaye having withdrawn from the France squad with a knee injury which is still being assessed, he will be needed in a side desperately lacking in creativity. Palace are also hopeful of securing Charlton’s highly rated young winger, Ademola Lookman, and retain an interest in Tomas Rincon at Genoa.

There will be departures, too. Jordon Mutch could replace the outgoing Jeff Hendrick at Derby County, while Keshi Anderson is joining Bolton on loan and will be followed by other youngsters, Sullay Kaikai and Hiram Boateng, in seeking first-team football elsewhere. Luke Croll could also join Exeter and Jonny Williams could be heading back to Ipswich on loan.

