"That ship has sailed": Sky Sports reporter drops major claim on Palace star with "huge regrets"

The ‘ship has sailed’ for Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha to move onto ‘bigger and better’ things, according to Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge.

Zaha has long been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park and has now entered the final 15 months of his current contract with his boyhood club.

After establishing himself as Palace’s talisman with a string of impressive performances throughout the years, the 29-year-old has often flirted with the possibility of joining one of the Premier League’s top teams.

Arsenal appeared to come the closest to signing Zaha, who is valued at £36m by Transfermarkt, in the summer of 2019 before the club’s hierarchy opted to sign Nicolas Pepe instead.

Tottenham Hotspur and Everton were reportedly also keen to add the Ivory Coast international to their ranks ahead of 2021/22 before focussing their attention on alternative targets.

Now though, Zaha could be available in a cut-price deal as he will only have a year remaining on his existing contract when the market reopens for business.

It remains to be seen who comes in for the immensely talented star following the conclusion of this season and whether he is determined to secure a move to a top side or remain loyal to Palace once more.

Zaha signed for Manchester United in January 2013 but only made four senior appearances for the 20-time English champions before re-joining the Eagles two years later.

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And Bridge believes the skilful winger’s chance to join another top Premier League side may have passed, although the door may still be ajar to move overseas.

He told GiveMeSport: “To get anywhere bigger and better than Palace, I think that ship has sailed, unless he