CRYSTAL PALACE have put Burnley flier Dwight McNeil at the top of their wishlist to replace Wilfried Zaha.
The Eagles are huge fans of the England Under-21 cap, whose pace and trickery down the left mark him out as the man to fill Zaha’s magic boots if the Ivorian leaves.
Crystal Palace are lining up a £20m bid for Burnley ace Dwight McNeilCredit: AFP
Zaha failed to get his big-money transfer in the last window but his club are expecting more interest next month.
Palace would still want a fortune for their talisman and are preparing alternatives if a move takes place.
Chelsea are believed to be keen as Pedro and Willian enter the final six months of their contracts.
The Blues have had their transfer ban overturned and are able to spend big once the window reopens.
If Palace are relatively safe in the table by the end of the January window, that may become the ideal time to cash in — but only if they have a suitable replacement lined up.
Former Manchester United babe McNeil has emerged as a top player in the past year since making his Clarets debut.
There has been interest in the attacker, 20, from home and abroad — but Palace are now considered as serious players if they have to find the next Zaha.
Burnley would want a big price for McNeil, probably in excess of £20million.
But Palace could still make a profit and even be able to spend on other positions.
Palace want McNeil as a replacement for Chelsea target Wilfried ZahaCredit: Getty Images
Zaha filmed winding down car window and shouting foul mouthed comeback at goading Chelsea fan after Crystal Palace loss
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
