Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe heading to Crystal Palace?

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson could hand Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe a Premier League lifeline next month, according to a report.

The 36-year-old has barely featured for the Cherries this season, being used for a total of 22 minutes in the Premier League across four substitute appearances.

Defoe has been tipped to depart the Vitality Stadium for more playing time in the second half of the season, with Championship sides Wigan Athletic, Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United being linked.

A move to Bournemouth's top-flight rivals Palace may be on the cards, however, as The Mirror suggests that Hodgson is eyeing up a five-month loan deal.

Palace are in desperate need of some more firepower in the New Year, having scored just 13 goals all campaign, and Hodgson supposedly believes that cheap option Defoe - keen to revive his career elsewhere - can still do a job.