Manchester United and Arsenal set to go go head to head over Palace starlet

Manchester United have put themselves on a collision course with rivals Arsenal after they identified Wilfried Zaha as a primary January target.

Zaha, currently signed to Crystal Palace, has an ever growing circle of admirers but the two Premier League giants are set to battle it out over his signature.

Palace manager, Ian Holloway, has issued a hands off warning in the English press this afternoon.  In a scenario similar to the one he encountered as Blackpool manager, with the interest surrounding Charlie Adam, Holloway will know that despite his flamboyant warnings he will do well to keep hold of the talented youngster come January.

 

Arsenal yesterday threw their hat publicly in the ring when manager Arsene Wenger declared an interest to the gathered press.  Manchester United however have opted for a more covert approach which should please the Palace hierarchy.

 

Although Utd will push for a January transfer it is understood they are open to a New Year agreement which would see Zaha stay at Palace until the end of the season.

Initial indications are the fee could be as high as £17m but a more realistic figure would be around the £12m if a deal can be made to keep Zaha at Selhurst Park until the summer.