Monday, December 31, 2012

In the Hunt For Zaha



Despite how badly Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway wants to keep Wilfried Zaha at Selhurst Park, the likely-hood of losing his star player in January has become all the more real. Four-clubs are already being linked to a reported eight figure swoop--a day before the window has been opened.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are allegedly on the brink of a bidding war for Palace's 20 year-old winger. The asking price would be in the region of £15-20 million, with Eagles chairman Steve Parish insisting upon the highest fee. Both, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are huge admirers of the talented English international—albeit a six-minute substitute appearance against Sweden in a friendly.

Holloway has said the right things, insisting on Zaha stay with the club at least until the end of the current campaign, and concentrate on his football.  It's proper advice, especially with Palace currently residing in fourth place in the Championship table, and in the fight for promotion.

United has been suspected of having a £8 million projected bid turned down—it could very well be only a rumour.

We all know how this time of the season goes, with more fake stories than real ones. But, if he does make the jump into the Premier League, is it a bit premature? Zaha believes the time is right, having played over 100 games in the Championship, and very badly wanting to prove his quality at the top level. 

"To be honest, if I had the chance in January and Palace agreed, it's something I'd want to go for," admitted Zaha.

Reports claim that £10 million is the cut-off point, and Palace wants to wrap up any potential sale within the first week.

Let the auction begin.


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