"Wilfried is not for sale."

Those were the words of Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson as speculation grew over the Ivorian’s future.

Chelsea have reportedly been long time admirers of the 27-year-old and following their transfer ban being lifted but Hodgson moved to quash any reports the Eagles are looking to cash in on their star man.

“Basically, I don’t need assurances, we aren’t trying to sell Wilfried Zaha,” he said following his side’s 1-1 draw at Norwich.

“We want to keep Wilfried Zaha.

“What assurances can people give?

“I know no-one [at the club] is anxious to sell Wilfried Zaha.

“But of course you never know where bids are going to come from, and if they do, the board of directors will need to take it seriously.”

The former Manchester United man admitted he was left frustrated following failed moves to Arsenal and Everton in the summer, but has recently rediscovered the form that had Europe’s elite clambering over his signature.

Chelsea keen?

Chelsea’s Frank Lampard distanced himself from a move for Zaha, who Palace rate at £80million.

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"I wouldn't talk about Zaha,” he told the Daily Star.

“It's not something I've considered.

“I won't talk about him because he's not our plans.

"If we have to do business we will do it behind closed doors aside to announcing who I want to bring."

Palace meanwhile are keen to bring in new talent at Selhurst Park after a speight of injuries which have left the squad threadbare.

“We are all aware we need strengthening, we have said before we need help in certain areas and we don’t have cover or competition we need in those certain areas, and I am sure they will be looking to put that right,” Hodgson added.

“You can't get assurances, you can only get people agreeing with you about what should be done, and hope that leads to some players coming through the door that you want to make you stronger and increase competition and perhaps most importantly, prevent us finding ourselves in the current situation.”

Palace welcome Derby to Selhurst Park on Saturday in the FA Cup Third Round.