Loan promise to send Manchester United clear in Zaha chase

Wilfried Zaha’s future has been a hot topic this year, with a string of sensational Championship performances earning the 20-year-old a full England cap.

And it is Manchester United who look set to finally make a move for the electric winger materialise, though it may be a while before Zaha makes his Old Trafford bow.

Sir Alex Ferguson intends to tie up a deal for the England international, still eligible for the Ivory Coast, and fend off interest from Arsenal and Tottenham this January.

However, with Ferguson’s need for a speedy wide-man not exactly pressing, he would be prepared to allow Zaha to stay with Crystal Palace for the remainder of the season.

Such an arrangement could convince Palace to do business, as they would maintain a good chance of fulfilling their 7/1 odds for Championship glory.

Currently second, Palace have surprised many with their lofty league position thus far, and Ian Holloway looks set to continue the terrific work Dougie Freedman did at the club.

The Eagles are perched only three points behind Championship leaders Cardiff, and with Zaha such a key asset in their promotion bid, Holloway will be determined to keep him beyond January.

Therefore, Ferguson’s proposition would likely prove the most attractive to the Selhurst Park outfit, even if the eventual value falls short of the Londoners’ £20 million asking price.

And whilst the legendary United chief would prefer to have Zaha available for another title push, he feels this sort of deal will suffice to rid of the competition for his signature.

Indeed, Ferguson is no stranger to this kind of arrangement, having landed Chris Smalling in January 2010, before allowing the defender to remain with Fulham until the summer of that year.

That deal worked out well for United, and with or without Zaha this season, the Red Devils appear a strong bet for a 20th Premier League title at 8/11.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.