Newcastle United are interested in signing Wilfried Zaha and could now beat West Ham United to his signature this summer.
Despite signing Anthony Gordon in January, the Magpies are set to look for another winger this summer.
Moussa Diaby is one name that has recently been connected, although Newcastle could look a little closer to home.
Newcastle have a ‘long-running’ interest in Crystal Palace wideman Wilfried Zaha, according to the Daily Star.
Zaha’s contract at Palace expires this summer, bringing an end to his long affiliation with the Eagles.
Newcastle appear to be looking for a bargain, and Zaha is eager to play in Europe next season.
The Magpies are not alone in this race, as West Ham United is also keen on signing Zaha.
According to the article, West Ham executives believe Zaha may prefer to stay in London and choose West Ham over Newcastle.
Given West Ham’s problems this season, that would be a surprise, but Newcastle might be in for a fight.
On the surface, this story appears weird, but rumours concerning interest in Zaha are scarce at the present.
The 30-year-old is now injured and must seize his final big chance to join a European team this summer.
Newcastle should be able to deliver European activity, and they do place a premium on Premier League experience.
Before joining Newcastle, Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Chris Wood, and Anthony Gordon all played in the Premier League.
Exceptions have been made for truly top talents in Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak but Eddie Howe seems to fancy proven Premier League players.
Zaha fits the description, and Newcastle manager Howe has previously lauded him.
Howe told the Daily Echo in 2018 that Zaha is ‘impossible to stop’ because he can make anything happen on the ball.
Howe went on to say that Zaha can dribble past people when it appears ‘impossible,’ and that he would have feared facing the Ivorian during his playing days.
Howe may now see an opportunity to sign Zaha for free, and Newcastle should be confident of beating West Ham if they are truly interested.
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