Crystal Palace calling the shots on Zaha’s future

Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman has told those said to be eyeing up prized asset Wilfred Zaha in the summer that the South Londoners will decide on the talented midfielder’s future.

After wowing potential buyers with a number of eye catching displays this term, Crystal Palace starlet Zaha has taken the Championship by storm and this was reflected in the 19-year old being voted Young Player of the Year at the 2012 Football League Awards last weekend.

The Selhurst Park outfit have struggled to hold on to academy graduates in recent years when bigger clubs have came calling with former players Victor Moses and John Bostock both opting to move to Premier League clubs

But whilst speculation linking the youngster to numerous top flight clubs has been rife throughout the season Eagles boss Freedman has stressed the club will ultimately have the last say on when the England u21 international will move on to pastures new, with the player having signed a 5-year deal just months ago.

“Wilf has got a five-year contract that he only signed a few months ago," Freedman told the South London Press.

"We'll decide over the next five years when is the best time for Wilf to move on - the chairman will decide that from a business point of view and I'll decide it on the footballing side.

"First and foremost we are trying to get the club in the Premier League within the timescale of his contract - hopefully he'll help us do that."

The winger has netted seven times this season and was an integral part of Palace’s semi final Carling Cup side that were narrowly defeated on penalties to league rivals Cardiff City.

Simon Blaquiere @simonblaquiere1

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