Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and West Ham expected to bid for Brazilian

The Brazilian media today shares some fresh news on the future of Flamengo starlet Matheus França.

According to Globo Esporte, the likes of Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and West Ham United are set to fight for the 19-year-old.

The story claims that França has been drawing big attention since last year, especially from English clubs monitoring him. Now he’s expected to receive some bids.

The clubs who reportedly approached the player were Newcastle, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Brighton & Hove Albion, Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen.

The story claims it’s the Eagles, Magpies and Hammers who start a ‘dispute’ for the signing. On Twitter, journalist Letícia Markets writes there’s expectation the three clubs will send official bids when the window opens on the 3rd of July.

Globo Esporte says França is protected by a huge release clause, but Flamengo ‘accept to listen’ to offers over €25m. It’s recalled that Newcastle had already made an attempt in January, and saw their €20m bid rejected by the Rio de Janeiro side. Now we should get to see an auction for the wonderkid.

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As reported by The Daily Mail, Wilfried Zaha is on the cusp of becoming a free agent as his contract offer from Crystal Palace is due to expire imminently.

Crystal Palace’s Icon Faces a Decision

A veritable icon at the club, the Ivory Coast international’s future hangs in the balance as he takes stock of his prospects ahead of the forthcoming season. While remaining with Palace is very much an option on the table, the mercurial forward is reportedly yet to make a concrete decision.

Historic Contract Offer Awaits Signature

The London-based outfit has extended a lucrative new long-term contract to Zaha, pegged at a whopping £200,000-per-week, marking it as the most generous deal they have ever put forth to a player. However, with the expiration date set at midnight on Friday, there appears to be little indication of an imminent positive response before the official deadline.

Dialogue Remains Open Amidst Uncertainty

Despite the looming likelihood of the contract staying unsigned beyond the June 30 cut-off, the communication lines between Zaha and Palace remain wide open. With the player due to wed later this summer, Palace hold out hope that their star will choose to commit his future to the club beyond the given deadline.

Return to Fitness Raises Prospects

On the pitch, Zaha has bounced back from a hamstring strain that side-lined him towards the end of last season, receiving treatment with Palace. The string of muscular injuries he endured at the tail-end of last season, causing him to miss crucial matches, will no doubt have been factored into the calculations of interested clubs, given the data-driven approach of European recruitment.

Zaha’s Champion League Ambition

Champions League football has long been a major motivator for the Ivory Coast forward, which will weigh heavily on his decision. Zaha harbours ambitions to link up with a club either presently involved in the competition or one that has a realistic shot at qualification.

Interest from Abroad

In this context, Serie A side Lazio, who have secured a place in next season’s Champions League, have expressed serious interest in Zaha. However, it is believed that the Roman club would not match the substantial sum on offer at Crystal Palace.

Turkish giants Fenerbahce have also declared their interest in the Palace winger. Despite their lack of current Champions League involvement, the opportunity to live and play in Istanbul’s fervent football atmosphere might appeal to Zaha, especially considering Fenerbahce’s standing in Turkish football may afford him future Champions League prospects.

Saudi Arabian Interest

Zaha has also attracted attention from Saudi Arabia, where the chance to earn considerably more than the £200,000-per-week offered by Palace awaits. The allure of participating in one of the most ambitious football projects globally, alongside some of the most high-profile stars, could be a significant factor in swaying Zaha’s decision. The stage is set for an interesting period ahead in the career of the Crystal Palace stalwart.