Liverpool keeping tabs on Premier League sensation who could join on a free transfer

Liverpool are keeping tabs on Wilfried Zaha, who is in the final year of his Crystal Palace contract, according to reports.

Zaha is a talismanic figure for the south London club. His dazzling skill on the pitch, loyalty off it, and knack of netting against club rivals Brighton has helped entrench the Ivorian in Crystal Palace history.

However, with his contract due to run out next year Zaha has reportedly been the subject of interest from several of Europe’s top clubs.

Indeed, Palace are hoping to tie Zaha down to a new deal, but the two parties have allegedly been in a standoff for two years, with the 29-year-old reportedly dreaming of playing Champions League football elsewhere.

According to a 90min report, Liverpool are keeping tabs on the player’s contract situation and are among several clubs that could make a move later down the line.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is also thought to be a long-term admirer of the player while Chelsea were keen on signing Zaha before the end of the summer transfer window.

Meanwhile on the continent, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Inter are all said to have expressed an interest in the Ivorian international.

Clubs in Europe have the advantage of being able to negotiate a free transfer with the player from January.

Last week Palace manager Patrick Vieira reiterated a desire to keep Zaha, a player who is the product of the club’s academy.

Vieira told the media: “Wilfried knows what the club thinks about him, and we know what he thinks about the club.

“There will be discussions taking place [over a new contract] but for myself and for the club what is important is for him to play at this level and to be consistent and to help those young players around him to grow and we will see what will happen.

“If Wilfried Zaha has a good day, the team will have a good day. He’s an important player on and off the field, he’s got the experience and today he was really good in possession and out of possession he worked really hard."