Reading to make Palace duo Zaha and Clyne first signings
Published:Reading are eyeing up a deal for Crystal Palace duo Wilfried Zaha and Nathaniel Clyne this summer as they look to build a squad worthy of England’s top-flight.
Brian McDermott has long been an admirer of the pair, who have both represented England at Under-21 level, and is eager to add them to his current crop in order to inject some pace and flair.
Clyne and Zaha would command a fee somewhere in the region of £8million, but with the money from promotion and the input of would-be owner Anton Zingarevich the Royals should be able to comfortably match the asking price.
Palace will be eager to hold on to two of their star men, they even rejected a bid from Bolton in January for the 19-year old Zaha, but with Reading offering more in the £6million region it should test the Selhurst Park club’s resolve.
Marauding full-back Clyne has also attracted the attentions of a number of Premier League clubs and fellow Championship sides but no one has yet to make an offer for the 21-year old, who has made over 120 appearances for the club despite his tender age.
The Premier League bound Berkshire outfit are eager to agree a price for the two before the season is out and then discuss personal terms in the summer, with fears that the end of the season could spark a wealth of interest, especially in tricky winger Zaha.
The likes of Liverpool, Spurs and Newcastle have eyed the Ivory Coast born man and they are all likely to reignite their interest at the end of the season.
Clyne is also expected to make the step up, and after another strong season he is believed to be on the radar of many top clubs.
Both players are in line to represent Great Britain at the Olympics in London and if McDermott has his way they shall do so as Reading players.
