Why Everton should break the bank to sign Wilfried Zaha

As per reports, Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has turned down a bumper new £125,000-a-week pay deal at the club amidst interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Borussia Dortmund.

The Eagles are desperate to keep hold of the Ivorian winger, who was one of the club’s star performers last season under Roy Hodgson. Zaha has rejected Palace’s improved contract offer as he reportedly wants to try himself at a “big club” again following his disastrous spell with Manchester United.

However, Palace are believed to be considering offering him an improved £135,000-a-week deal in an attempt to ensure he stays with them. The south Londoners have put a £70m price tag on him in a bid to ward off interest but should Zaha decide to exit Selhurst Park this summer, which club should he move to?

Zaha was in fine form for the Eagles this past season, scoring 9 and assisting 5 goals in 29 appearances that helped his club avoid relegation from the Premier League. Since re-joining Palace, the Ivorian has been one of the most feared attackers in the Premier League.

Everton oversaw a messy recruitment policy last season, with the club ending up buying three players for one spot – Wayne Rooney, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Davy Klaassen for the No.10 role.

The pressure will now be on majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri and newly appointed Director of Football Marcel Brands to successfully take the Everton side back to the top after two underwhelming campaigns.

Smashing the club’s transfer record for Zaha would be the best way to kickstart the summer under new manager Marco Silva. The new gaffer has the task of making Everton play an expansive and attractive brand of football after a dull season under Sam Allardyce. And Zaha could be an exciting prospect under Silva next term.

Zaha is a flying winger who would grace the starting XI of Everton. He struggled during his time at Manchester United but the 25-year-old has become a better and more mature player since his failure at Old Trafford.

The Ivorian was brilliant last season, causing huge problems for the opposition due to his explosive pace, trickery and unpredictability, and he would be an effective player in the Toffees’ frontline.

The former Manchester United and Cardiff forward can play as a centre-forward or on the wings, and that versatility would come in handy for Silva’s Everton. Also, Zaha would be an upgrade on Yannick Bolasie, who has failed to weave his magic at Goodison Park due to injury problems.

After two seasons of under-achievement and money wasted in poor acquisitions, it’s time for Everton to make a statement signing. Zaha should be that signing for the Toffees as the Ivorian’s pace, power, creative skill and goal threat would represent a major addition to the team.