Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United all interested in the Crystal Palace youngsters.
The Carling Cup semi-final defeat to Cardiff City could have yet more detrimental effects for Crystal Palace.
Wilfried Zaha and Nathaniel Clyne have both been linked with Premier League clubs this transfer window, and could now be poised to make their moves.
With Palace on the verge of going to Wembley, leading the semi-final first leg it was widely accepted the club would not let either player go.
The players too would have been silly to miss out on such an occasion, but now it is very much a moot point.
Now with Palace having little to realistically play for in the Championship, there is little to stand in their way should a career-enhancing transfer arise.
Liverpool and Newcastle United have been linked with winger Wilfried Zaha, with figures of up to £10 million suggested, with the Anfield club the favourites.
Right-back Nathaniel Clyne has been linked with Manchester United, and his contract runs out in the summer.
The 20-year-old Palace academy graduate could be available this transfer window for as little as £3 million, and could help settle a problem right-back berth at Old Trafford. United could even throw Ritchie de Laet into a part-exchange deal.
Yes there are questions over whether the two can make the step up to the highest level, but both are young and are already performing at a high standard, each earning personal accolades.
Both players have also been shortlisted for Great Britain’s Olympic team, which in Zaha’s case especially could really increase his value.
Like vultures, the Premier League clubs will now know now is the time to make their moves, amidst the usual flurry of transfer deadline activity.
It would be a bitter blow for Crystal Palace to lose key players mid-season, but they may not be able to avoid it.
With the club almost going bust two years ago, surely they would rather cash in on Clyne now rather than allow him to go for free in the summer?
image: © Richard Fisher
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