Ferguson in pole position to snap up rising Palace star Zaha
Speculation that United are poised to sign Crystal Palace’s exciting 20-year-old winger, who is valued at a reported £15 million, has intensified in recent days.
Zaha, who made his England debut last November, is regarded as the most exciting talent in the country outside the Premier League.
Zaha revealed in a tweet last year he is an Arsenal fan but, despite reported interest in the player, Wenger insists a move to the Emirates Stadium was never a possibility.
Wenger said: “We were never in for Zaha. I don’t know if he will go to Man United. If he goes to Man United, good luck to him.”
There have been reports that United have held discussions with Palace and that further talks between the clubs are planned.
It has also been suggested United could sign the player and then loan him back to the promotion-chasing Championship club for the remainder of the season.
Neither club have commented on the reports.
Zaha has come through the youth system at Palace after joining the club at the age of 12. His progress has attracted interest from a number of clubs and was underlined by his selection for England’s friendly against Sweden two months ago, although he remains eligible for birth country Ivory Coast.
United’s squad, meanwhile, are preparing for this weekend’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Fulham at a warm-weather training camp in Qatar.
Manager Alex Ferguson has not travelled with the party but the players are hoping to put Sunday’s league setback against Spurs behind them.
United conceded an injury-time equaliser at White Hart Lane that meant, over the course of the weekend, their lead at the top of the table was cut to five points.
Defender Phil Jones said: “Confidence is high but we know we still have to produce and do our job every time we step out on the pitch.
“As long as we’re focused on what we’ve got to do and on our game plan hopefully we’ll be okay.”
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