Crystal Palace close to loaning Benfica midfielder Erdal Rakip?

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has reportedly moved to the brink of adding Benfica midfielder Erdal Rakip to his first-team squad.

Hodgson has frequently stated that he is keen to make multiple additions during the January transfer window, although chairman Steve Parish has suggested that he is monitoring the club's wage bill.

According to Maisfutebol, Palace have made contact with Benfica over Rakip and are close to sealing a loan deal for the Swedish player.

The 21-year-old is yet to make an appearance for Benfica having only just joined the club from Malmo, but the Portuguese giants are happy for the playmaker to gain experience elsewhere.

Last season, Rakip helped Malmo win the Swedish league title having netted nine times in 30 appearances, while he has also earned nine caps for his nation's Under-21 side.