Top legends agree in principle to deal with three clubs in battle for top spot at Crystal Palace

Wilfried Zaha agrees deals with three clubs in principle as Crystal Palace fight for ace

Crystal Palace are still fighting hard to retain the services of star man Wilfried Zaha but the in-demand forward has agreed to three deals in principle with clubs across the globe

Crystal Palace ace Wilfried Zaha has reportedly agreed deals in principle with three clubs – and an offer from the Eagles is still on the table.

The Premier League winger, 30, is available on a free transfer after his £130k-a-week deal elapsed at the end of the 2022/23 season.

Yet, the Selhurst Park outfit are desperate to keep ahold of their star man and Palace have slapped an improved four-year contract on the table, which would see him rake in an eye-watering £200k-a-week salary.

Zaha, who registered seven goals and two assists for the south Londoners last season, is already the club’s highest earner but the Eagles hierarchy are willing to break their wage structure in an attempt to stave off interest from elsewhere.

According to the latest reports from Sky Sports News, Zaha is the subject of a three-way tug-of-war. Lazio, Fenerbahce and Saudi outfit Al-Nassr have all agreed personal terms with the in-demand forward.

A move to Italy or Turkey would see him compete in European football next term with Lazio and Fenerbahce qualifying for the Champions League and Europa League respectively. The Rome-based outfit finished the 2022/23 campaign as runners-up to champions Napoli while Fenerbahce finished second in the Super Lig.

A move to the Middle East would see Zaha become the latest star to make the move to the Saudi Pro League following Cristiano Ronaldo, N’Golo Kante and who have all opted to head to Asia. where Ronaldo currently plies his trade, have also added Champions League finalist Marcelo Brozovic to their ranks whilst continuing to pursue a deal for Zaha.

Palace are by no means out of the running but there is a growing acceptance that the longer the saga rumbles on, the more likely he is to head for pastures new.

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Roy Hodgson will continue as Crystal Palace manager for the 2023-24 season.

Hodgson, who previously managed Palace between 2017 and 2021, returned to Selhurst Park in March and guided the club to Premier League safety and an 11th-placed finish.

The club have now confirmed that the 75-year-old will lead the team going into the next seas

“I am immensely pleased and proud to be extending my time at Crystal Palace,” Hodgson said in an official statement.

“I would like to thank the chairman and sporting director for their continued faith in me.

“I know what a fantastic squad we have here. It’s a great blend of youth and potential, alongside experienced players with Premier League and international pedigree.

“I have spoken with the chairman at length and we agreed that we must be ambitious in getting the most out of such talent.

“As such, we have set ourselves the target of a top-half finish, which we believe is eminently achievable with such a fabulous group of players and the most magnificent supporters who get behind the team, week in, week out.”

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He will lead the side into next season alongside Paddy McCarthy as assistant manager, Ray Lewington as coach and Dean Kiely as goalkeeper coach.

Chairman Steve Parish said: “Roy’s record as manager speaks for itself. His return earlier this year along with Ray Lewington and assisted ably by Paddy McCarthy produced a fantastic return both in results and producing some stylish performances, helping us climb the table and get international recognition for our players.

“Appointing Roy for another season will enable him and the squad to hit the ground running for a full pre-season and continue the magnificent momentum that has built up since his return.”

Hodgson will turn 76 before Palace’s 2023-24 opener against Sheffield United on August 12. Palace will then play Arsenal, Brentford, Wolves and Aston Villa.