Parish has no intention of selling one of his prized assets.
Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha gestures
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has claimed that Mauricio Pochettino views Wilfried Zaha as the next Ronaldo, in an interview with talkSPORT (quotes published by the Belfast Telegraph).
Reports emerged yesterday of Tottenham’s interest in the 23-year old and Parish has confirmed that a bid was submitted but that he has no intention of letting Zaha go.
“We had a bid from Spurs but £12 million – it’s ridiculous. I can’t imagine that they’re serious,” said the Eagles chairman.
Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama in action with Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha
“There’s no chance whatsoever of Wilfried Zaha leaving the club in this transfer window. We’ve told Spurs that there is really no point bidding for him because he is going nowhere – 100 per cent guaranteed.”
“I was told that the manager there thinks he’s the next Ronaldo. Well I’d like to get the next Ronaldo for £12 million,” he added.
Comparing Zaha to Ronaldo is an outlook even the most die-hard Palace fan would find hard to justify but it suggests that Pochettino sees real potential in the mercurial talent.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
The Argentine is renowned for his ability to improve the performance level of his players – Danny Rose and Moussa Dembele are two clear examples of this – and perhaps he feels Zaha has a lot more to offer then he is currently showing.
The former Manchester United player has managed just six goals and three assists in his last 65 Premier League appearances, hardly Ronaldo-esque figures.
Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha looks dejected
Yet his ability to beat a defender in one-on-one duels and his raw pace are key attributes Spurs currently lack.
He would offer Pochettino a different option and at 23-years of age still has time to make improvements to his game under the right coach.
Parish has made it clear he has no plans to sell however, and Spurs still hope to secure another pacey, direct winger – in the form of Georges-Kevin Nkoudou – before the close of the window.
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