Allardyce eyes incomings with Zaha going nowhere

Sam Allardyce is keen to bolster his Crystal Palace squad and will not countenance losing Wilfried Zaha during the January transfer window.

Former England boss Allardyce oversaw a 1-1 draw at Watford in his first game after replacing Alan Pardew at Selhurst Park.

The Eagles have only won once since September and face a daunting trip to Arsenal on New Year’s Day, after which Allardyce is set to get to work in the market.

“We haven’t got enough numbers at the moment,” said the 62-year-old.

“If everyone was fit we wouldn’t be too bad. We want to sign a couple of players.

“It is a difficult scenario we’re in to make some choices with the squad, but we’ll try and make it the right one.

“We have one loan left so we’ll see what’s available. I’ve been focusing on the team and the chairman on transfers.

“We would like them earlier in January, but sometimes it’s a little easier towards the end of the month.”

Winger Zaha has been one of the few bright sparks in Palace’s lacklustre campaign.

They are set to be without the former Manchester United player for much of next month after he elected to represent Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations, but Allardyce insists he will return a Palace player despite reportedly renewed interest from Tottenham.

“There is no potential for losing Wilfried permanently, according to the chairman,” he said.

A tame penalty miss from Christian Benteke proved costly at Vicarage Road and Allardyce will assess his options from 12 yards before heading to Emirates Stadium.

“I’ve not spoken to Christian about his technique,” he added.

“We’ll discuss it and see who fancies taking them.

“I’m sure Christian will put his hand up to take one as he’ll want to score it.”