Transfer deadline day: Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew and Bournemouth star Benik Afobe confirm Jack Wilshere interest despite Roma leading race
Pardew said it would be the 'icing on the cake' for him while Afobe said it was 'possible' his mate Wilshere would join - but Roma believe they have the deal done
ROMA appear to be leading the race in a three-way tug-of-war for Jack Wilshere’s signature – but Crystal Palace and Bournemouth are still hopeful of his capture.
Palace boss Alan Pardew confirmed he is still hoping to sign him and said it would be the “icing on the cake” – but that move could be scuppered.
The Arsenal midfielder has been made available for loan by boss Arsene Wenger and looks set to leave before the window shuts tonight.
It appears that Italian giants Roma are odds-on favourites to sign the England star after “agreeing terms” over his £80,000 wages and are reportedly waiting on approval from the Gunners.
But Wilshere himself seems to prefer to stay in the Premier League – and that has been echoed by the other two clubs in the race, Bournemouth and Palace.
Palace boss Alan Pardew confirmed he is still hoping to sign him. He told Sky Sport News: “Jack is a player that became available yesterday, would have been silly to not get involved in that.
“Obviously there are a lot of clubs who would like Jack and we are one of them. We have done so great in this window; it really would be the icing on the cake if we were to get him across the line.
“But we have other targets we are perusing today just as much as Jack. But in terms of where we stand, even if we didn’t get anyone else across the line, we would still be pleased.”
Meanwhile Bournemouth striker Benik Afobe, a good friend and former teammate of Wilshere at Arsenal, did not rule out that Eddie Howe’s men will win the race.
Leaving the car park this afternoon, Sky Sports report Mark McAdam asked him if there is any news, to which Afobe started laughing and beaming.
When McAdam said “you look to happy for him to be coming to Bournemouth”, Afobe said it was “possible”.
England midfield ace Wilshere met Cherries boss Eddie Howe yesterday and is impressed with his vision and the way he likes to play.
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