Former Manchester United manager considering ‘surprise’ move for Crystal Palace star

Former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen on adding Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha to his Roma squad.

Reports in Italy have suggested the Ivory Coast international is under strong consideration by the Serie A club and claimed Roma have already made contact over a possible move.

TuttoMercatoWeb state Palace losing Zaha during the summer transfer window would be a ‘surprise’ but go on to report Mourinho would ‘more than welcome’ his signing.

Zaha is currently entering the final 12 months of his current contract at Selhurst Park and talks over a new deal are yet to reach a successful conclusion.

However, comments made by Palace manager Patrick Vieira in the latter part of last season suggest he remains keen to retain the services of one of his prized assets.

“When you talk about Crystal Palace you talk about Wilfried Zaha,” explained the former Arsenal and Juventus star.

“He’s been at this club and he’s been doing fantastically well. And again as a manager, of course, I would love to keep him but he needs to want to be here.

“This season I think he showed to everybody what this football club means to him because he’s been performing well and scoring goals. I believe that he can still take himself to a different level and help the team to grow.”

Roma’s interest is yet to be followed up by a bid and it is uncertain how much it would take for Palace to part company with their long-serving forward.

Despite the emergence of Michael Olise, Zaha remains a key figure at Selhurst Park and scored 15 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions last season.

It seems likely Palace will try to see off the interest from Roma and tie down the winger to a new deal - but the interest from the current Europa Conference winners and the presence of Mourinho will be a concern for the Eagles hierachy.