According to The Sun, Newcastle United are interested in bringing Wilfried Zaha to the club this summer if their takeover finally goes through.
The £300million deal involving the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund, Amanda Staveley and the Reuben brothers has been dragging on for weeks now, with major delays so far.
That hasn’t really stopped rumours linking Newcastle’s owners-to-be with big signings. Now, another name can be added to an already lengthy list.
It’s claimed that contact has been made to discuss the availability of Crystal Palace star Zaha. It’s likely that the contact was made with his representatives, rather than the Eagles themselves.
The report notes that Palace would want around £60million for Zaha, as they again try to keep their homegrown star out of the clutches of big-spending rivals.
Zaha wants Champions League football, but may be tempted by the Newcastle project in the event of a takeover. The Ivorian, 27, missed out on a move away last summer, and has managed just three goals and five assists this term.
A particularly interesting note is that Newcastle’s new owners want Mauricio Pochettino as their new boss. He wants control over transfers, and repeatedly wanted Zaha at Tottenham Hotspur.
Zaha being lined up as a potential signing if Pochettino takes the job does make sense, but splashing £60million on a winger who will turn 28 later this year seems like a bold move in the current climate, even if Newcastle may have new cash to spend.
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