Patrick Vieira outlines how Crystal Palace can convince Wilfried Zaha to sign a new deal

Patrick Vieira says that the way for Crystal Palace to fend off interest from Juventus and Barcelona in Wilfried Zaha is by outlining how exciting the future of the football club is.

 Zaha, who made his 441st appearance for the Eagles last time out against Southampton, has scored five goals in 11 Premier League matches this season.

 The 29-year-old’s deal is set to expire at the end of this season. It was reported during the week that Palace had verbally offered Zaha a new deal. 

 When asked how Palace could convince Zaha to extend his stay at Selhurst Park, Vieira said: “It’s about where we want to go next. It’s about the way we play the game, and it’s about him enjoying his football – scoring goals. Then he has to make his decision.

 “We will do everything that we can to convince him to stay with us and to make him understand that the next couple of years can be really exciting for the football club. 

 “We want him to be part of it. We know how important he is for us, and he knows how much the fans and the club love him. We know how much he loves the football club as well. 

 “The decision has to be his. We will do everything on our side to keep him because he is an important player for the football club.

 “At the moment, he is playing and performing well. That is the only matter for now.”

 A.C. Milan, Juventus and Barcelona have all reportedly been keeping tabs on Zaha, who is free to discuss a pre-contract agreement with clubs abroad come January.

 While Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal have also been clubs linked to Zaha in recent weeks. 

 “If you take any player in the Premier League and mention those teams to any player, it will, of course, have an impact.

 “For any player in the Premier League, when big teams like that have been mentioned, it creates excitement.”