Former Manchester United superstar Wilfried Zaha, valued at £100 million by Crystal Palace, is reportedly tempted by a summer return to Old Trafford.
The Telegraph have reported that Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha is open to the idea of making a return to Manchester United in the summer transfer window. The Ivory Coast international, who has a £100 million price tag on his head, is of the opinion that he has unfinished business at Old Trafford.
Wilfried Zaha had a lot of excitement and hype surrounding him when he joined Manchester United in the summer of 2013, having been Sir Alex Ferguson’s last ever signing. But, for various reasons, the player could never settle in at Old Trafford and eventually returned to his boyhood club in 2015.
At Selhurst Park, he has become a pivotal figure for the Eagles, who have struggled to score goals, let alone win games in his absence in recent seasons. And, on the back of his best ever Premier League campaign – Zaha had 10 goals and 10 assists in 34 outings – his stock is at an all-time high.
Several clubs have reportedly expressed their interest in signing the 26-year-old in the summer transfer window. The likes of Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund are keen on signing him, but will not meet his £100 million valuation. Manchester United though, are believed to be leading the race to sign Zaha.
The Red Devils have never had more uncertainties since the inception of the Premier League, even in the tumultuous post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. United are set to miss out on Champions League football next term, while the future of several players remains up in the air.
But, the summer is set to see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer embark on a project to revamp his squad, with several positions set to be addressed. One such position is the right wing slot, which has been a long-standing issue at Manchester United.
Over the last few years, Zaha has shown that he can make an impact in any area of the final third, thus making him an ideal option to be deployed on the right wing slot, if signed. Zaha could also form a part of the front two, which makes him a viable target for Manchester United.
As per the report, Manchester United would also be boosted by the fact that Zaha feels he has “unfinished business” at the club. And, while the Ivory Coast international desires of playing in the Champions League, Europa League football will be a start, according to The Telegraph, who have contradicted recent reports denying the same.
The report suggests that Crystal Palace will demand £100 million in exchange of his services, which Zaha feels might price him out of a move. However, it does not add whether Manchester United are set back by the valuation.
But, if the claims by The Telegraph are indeed true, Manchester United stand a chance of signing Zaha, and it remains to be seen if they are ready to pay £100 million to secure his services.
