Palace close to Zaha loan deal

ByPA Sport Report

Published 28/08/2014 at 17:09 GMT

Crystal Palace are "very close" to completing the season-long loan signing of Wilfried Zaha from Manchester United, according to new manager Neil Warnock.

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Zaha will return to Palace after just two appearances for United despite costing the Old Trafford club B£15million.

The 21-year-old will become Warnock's first signing in his second Selhurst Park stint, with only paperwork left to complete the deal.

"We're very close, we've agreed everything, there's just a few little bits insurance-wise," said Warnock.

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"The forms are signed from our end, and I've spoken to Wilfried."

Ivory Coast-born Zaha made more than 100 appearances in three years at Crystal Palace, progressing through the junior ranks at Selhurst Park.

Zaha signed for United in 2013, but was then loaned back to the Eagles.

The 21-year-old was only able to muster two appearances for the Old Trafford outfit last term under then-boss David Moyes.

The England Under-21 graduate is deemed surplus to requirements under new manager Louis van Gaal, paving the way for another stint at Palace.

Warnock was appointed Palace's new manager on Wednesday, ending owner Steve Parish's lengthy search to replace Tony Pulis, who walked out of the club on the eve of the new season.

Former Sheffield United boss Warnock rubbished suggestions Zaha has an attitude problem, backing him to realise his rich potential in south London.

"I think it's the right fit for him: when you're a young lad and you go to a big club like Manchester United, you can get lost because there are so many good players.

"He had three or four good offers to go elsewhere, but when you're a wide player or forward and you've got 15,000 people who love you, it helps your chances.

"I think there's still a lot more to come from him.

"People have criticised him for his attitude, but I've never seen that.

"I've always thought his attitude is spot-on: if you're willing to spend the time with him he's always willing to learn.

"So I think we'll see a really different Wilfried and hopefully he can have a really good season."

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