Palace eyeing up Zaha homecoming following United frustration

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has declared his interest in bringing current Manchester United misfit Wilfried Zaha back to Selhurst Park, if the club manages to stay in the Premier League. Coral price them odds-on at 1/4 to achieve that feat.

“Wilf’s a fantastic player, I certainly think we would be interested,” Parish said. “United have not said anything official, he’s their player, but if a player like that did become available then I am sure we would be interested.

“If we are fortunate enough to stay in the division, we will be looking to kick on and establish ourselves and try to get up to mid-table and be a bit more comfortable.

“Wilfried is a player who is worthy of the division and is a player who could help anybody. We saw him come on for Cardiff at the weekend and he changed the game, so if a situation arose for that kind of player, of course we would be interested.”

Twice-capped England winger Zaha was signed by previous Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson for around £12m in January 2013, before being loaned back to the Eagles for the rest of their Championship season.

However, his chances at United this season have been very limited under new manager David Moyes, having featured in just five games in all competitions. The out-of-favour player was then shipped off to Cardiff City on loan this January, where he has played in seven out of their nine league games since joining – gaining one assist for his temporary side.

Ivory Coast-born Zaha attracted attention from a number of suitors, before and after being snapped up by United, following his outstanding performances on the way to helping Palace get promoted.

His eight goals – including two in the play-offs – and 11 assists last season were crucial, and the 21-year-old has been touted by many as a future star, with the tricky skills and flair he possesses.

Palace under Tony Pulis, since taking over at the club at the end over November, have steadied the ship somewhat after a disappointing start to Premier League life with predecessor Ian Holloway at the helm.

The Eagles’ fantastic recent 1-0 victory over title chasers Chelsea (7/1) have moved them up to five points clear of the relegation zone, with a game in hand, and just seven matches to go. Coral now favour them to stay up, and thus keeping in tact Pulis’ record of never being relegated, giving them odds of 11/4 to go down.