Crystal Palace forward linked with Middle East move after ‘rejecting contract offers’

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia after he reportedly turned down multiple offers from the Eagles to extend his contract at Selhurst Park.

The Standard are reporting that Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are one of three Saudi clubs who are keen on making a move for the Ivorian, with his Palace contract expiring at the end of the season.

Zaha is Palace’s record goalscorer and appearance holder in the club’s Premier League history.

The 30-year-old recorded his 450th appearance for the Eagles in the 0-0 draw with Newcastle United but has missed the last three outings in the league after he was forced off with a hamstring injury during the goalless draw with the Magpies.

It was also mentioned in the report that A.C. Milan have a ‘serious’ interest in signing the former Cardiff City loanee. 

Al-Hillal and Al-Ittihad are the other clubs reportedly interested in signing Zaha once his Palace deal expires.

Speaking about Zaha’s contract future last week, Patrick Vieira said: “I honestly haven’t spoken with Wilfried about it.

“Then, it’s in his hands – he has to make his decision. We have to wait and see what he wants to do. He knows where we stand and where I stand as a manager.

“We will be delighted and really happy if he keeps on this journey with this football club where he has been playing for a long time.”

“Wilfried knows really well what the football club thinks about him and what we want to do.”

PICTURE@ KEITH GILLARD