Crystal Palace teammate tells Zaha he ‘should be playing in Champions League’

Wilfried Zaha Crystal Palace TEAMtalk

Andros Townsend says that his Crystal Palace teammate should be playing in the Champions League, but hopes the Eagles can keep him beyond this summer. 

Zaha has been strongly linked with a move away from Selhurst Park in the transfer window. His manager Roy Hodgson has also openly admitted that the Ivorian is looking depart.

That comes after he missed out on a switch to Arsenal last year. His form dipped as a result, with Zaha scoring just four Premier League goals last term.

The Gunners are believed to still hold an interest in the winger, while Everton are also understood to be keen. Napoli and Tottenham have also been touted as potential destinations in the past.

And Townsend has claimed that Zaha would be more than capable of playing for one of those top teams. Speaking to talkSPORT (via Goal), he said: “Wilfried Zaha could play for the very best in the world.

“He’s the most talented player I’ve ever played with and he should be playing in the Champions League.

“I’m very grateful that we have him at Palace. Everyone at the club is grateful, and if we have him beyond this window we’d be even more grateful!

“If that’s the case I’m sure he’ll knuckle down and have another great season.

 

“He deserves to be playing at the highest level. But as long as he’s a Palace player, and I’m hopeful it does continue beyond this window, we’re grateful and delighted to have him.”

Palace in for Sarr

A potential replacement for Zaha could be Watford’s Ismalia Sarr. The Senegalese forward is reportedly being chased by a number of clubs after the Hornets were relegated from the top flight.

Champions Liverpool are said to be considering making a swoop, and are thought to be at the front of the queue to land him.

However, Palace have also joined the race for his signature, according to the Daily Mail.

Read more from Wednesday’s Paper Talk here…