Everton have reportedly made contact with Crystal Palace regarding a potential move for Wilfried Zaha.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Everton have made contract with Crystal Palace and thought to be ready to make a £55 million offer for Wilfried Zaha, while sources have claimed that the Toffees are prepared to bid £70 million for the Eagles talisman.
The Mail reports that Zaha is keen to leave Selhurst Park this summer and has been told by the club that he will be allowed to move on if a reasonable offer comes in. Their reported asking price is £100 million.
For much of the window, it appeared that Arsenal would be the team most likely to lure him away. However, it seems that Everton are planning to make a very serious attempt to land the forward in the final stages of the summer.
The Mail suggests that the two clubs have been in contact and Everton are apparently preparing an offer of £55 million for the 26-year-old. That, in itself, would be a club-record deal for the Toffees, but they are unlikely to be deterred if Palace reject that bid.
According to the Mail’s sources, the Toffees are ready to offer as much as £70 million. It remains to be seen how Palace would respond to such a bid. It does fall below their current valuation, but it does appear to be a very reasonable bid.
The Eagles may find themselves in a strong position, despite Zaha’s desire to go. The sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka earlier in the window may well have ensured that they are under absolutely no pressure to sell anyone else, and they would happily see the window close with Zaha still in their ranks.
It would be a remarkable statement from Everton to not only sign Zaha, but also smash their transfer record in the process. He would have a point to prove for that kind of fee, but he has been fantastic since his return to Palace and arguably has the talent to vindicate Everton’s interest.
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