Liverpool are reportedly set to join local rivals Everton in the chase for former Manchester United star Wilfried Zaha.
Liverpool are considering making a move for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, who is a top transfer target for Merseyside rivals Everton, as per reports from Goal.com.
After his unsuccessful stint with Manchester United under David Moyes, the winger has grown into a star player for Palace since his return to the Selhurst Park. The 25-year old had a spectacular season last time out, as he came up with returns of 9 goals and 5 assists in 29 Premier League appearances, playing an integral role in the Eagles’ relegation survival battle.
As a result, interest in him as piqued over the summer, with Everton eyeing a move for the former Manchester United wideman.
The Toffees’ new manager, Marco Silva, is understood to be keen on landing the 25-year old as he looks to revamp the squad after what was an underwhelming 2017/18 campaign under Sam Allardyce. However, they are likely to have to stave off competition from bitter rivals Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have been very active so far in the summer transfer window. The Merseysiders kicked off their spending with the signing of Fabinho from AS Monaco, to add to the arrival of midfielder Naby Keita from RB Leipzig, a deal for whom was in place last summer itself.
Liverpool did taste defeat in their pursuit of Olympique Lyon superstar Nabil Fekir. However, most recently though, the Reds completed the signing of Switzerland international Xherdan Shaqiri from relegated club Stoke City, as Klopp bids to boost his attacking ranks. And now reportedly, he has set his eyes on Ivory Coast international Zaha.
Liverpool had one of the most devastating attacking forces last season, with the trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane laying waste to Premier League defences for fun. However, the lack of quality backup for the attacking trident was a bit of a concern for the Reds.
The likes of Danny Ings and Dominic Solanke failed to make much of an impact, while Daniel Sturridge looks certain to depart from Anfield this summer. Question marks linger over the future of Divock Origi as well, which has left Klopp seeking more reinforcements in the final third of the pitch.
Zaha still has four years left on his contract with Palace, that he signed last summer. And Roy Hodgson’s side are likely to demand a fee in the range of £50 million.
The veracity of the report of interest in Zaha from Liverpool does seem questionable, especially considering they only signed Shaqiri, but usually there is no smoke without a fire. All in all, the former Manchester United winger looks destined for a summer exit from the Selhurst Park.
