Eagles and Magpies in wing transfer tussle for duo Zaha and Gnabry

Premier League top 10 chances Newcastle United (7/5) and Crystal Palace (9/2) look set to be in a bidding war to sign wing starlets Wilfried Zaha and Serge Gnabry – permanently and on loan respectively.

However, it seems that the Magpies are ahead of the queue, in particular for the Manchester United wideman. As well as Zaha’s former club Palace, Newcastle face competition from Championship promotion hopefuls Nottingham Forest (4/1), who want him on loan.

Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal wanted to give the 21-year-old a chance in pre-season, but as a striker, as he would not fit in the Dutchman’s new 3-4-1-2 formation in his preferred wing position. But it seems he is now willing to let him go for as little as £7m, after being signed from Selhurst Park for £10m (up to £15m with add-ons) in January 2013 by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Zaha spent the second half of last season on loan at Cardiff City, as he was out of favour with Van Gaal’s predecessor David Moyes, but couldn’t help prevent the Bluebirds from being relegated to the Championship.

If the clubs are unable to sign the Ivory Coast-born starlet, Arsenal’s Gnabry, 19, could be available, after the Gunners reportedly said he could leave on loan to gain more first team action.

While the young Germany Under-19 international is apparently unwilling to leave, Arsene Wenger has brought in Alexis Sanchez to push Gnabry further down the queue. Theo Walcott, meanwhile, is nearing a return, so an option could be to loan Gnabry out until January, and from then both parties can assess the situation.

As well as Palace and Newcastle, Southampton are also reported suitors to sign Gnabry, who played 14 times in all competitions for Arsenal last term. The Saints are currently rolling in transfer money, following an exodus of players, and hope to add him their roster for the coming campaign, following the recent addition of Fraser Forster.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez, meanwhile, has stated he needs a winger, although his club are hoping to tie a loan deal for Christian Atsu.