August 25 2016

Steve Parish

Crystal Palace chief Steve Parish insists Wilfried Zaha is not for sale.

Newspapers reported that Tottenham put in a bid of £15million for the 23-year-old – the Palace player of the year – with the winger apparently keen on a switch to White Hart Lane.

But Parish responded by saying the offer was actually a paltry £12m, and although Zaha's head has been turned, he is adamant the player will not be leaving.

He said: "We had a bid from Spurs of £12m – a ridiculous bid. I can’t imagine they are really serious. There is no chance whatsoever of Wilfried Zaha leaving this club in this transfer window. I want to reassure every Palace fan that he is an integral part of our planning.

"It’s not right what happens, that players get their heads turned. I was told, and I don’t know how true, that their manager thinks he is the next Ronaldo. Well I’d like Ronaldo for £12m! The player has been spoken to by people. I don’t think that’s right. They really should speak to the club first and try and get some agreement."

The Palace joint owner says he hopes to bring in fresh recruits before the window slams shut.

"We're hoping for one or two more, possibly one tomorrow ahead of the weekend," he added. "It's been a difficult transfer window."