Vieira has his say on Zaha speculation as Crystal Palace winger is linked with Liverpool switch

Wilfried Zaha has been at the centre of plenty of speculation recently as Liverpool are reportedly weighing up a move for the winger.

Zaha has started the season well for Palace and has six goal contributions in his first nine appearances of the season. Palace haven’t exactly been prolific in front of goal this season and so Zaha has been more important than ever.

In total, Zaha has contributed towards 50% of the goals Palace have scored in the Premier League this season.

As a result of his impressive performances, Liverpool have reportedly been keeping tabs on the 29-year-old.

Zaha scored at Anfield earlier in the season as Palace played out a 1-1 draw with Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp has also admitted to being a big admirer of the dynamic winger.

Palace manager Patrick Vieira has had his say on the recent speculation.

In his press conference, Vieira admitted (via BBC Sport): “There’s a speculation about all good players.

“The only thing we can do is show him the love and I think he’s sending back the love.

“There’s no trouble or loss of energy on the matter, we know how important he is for us and he understands he’s a big player here.

“We expect a lot from him and Wilf loves to have that pressure on his shoulders. We will do everything to keep him.

“He loves the way we’re playing because it allows him to show how good he is.

“He understands he has an important role to play on and off the pitch. The young players give him that stigma to be a positive example.

“We have so many young players from the Championship, who need to learn what the Premier League is about. When you look at him and what he’s been doing, they’re in good hands.”

His current deal with Palace expires at the end of the season and so he is able to talk to foreign clubs over a free transfer from January.

Palace are keen on tying him down to a new deal, but Zaha is understood to be weighing up his options.

Zaha was on hand to score the winning goal in midweek as Palace turned things around against Wolves to win 2-1.

Should Zaha choose to leave, he would leave a huge void at Selhurst Park.

READ MORE: Gerrard endures team coach ride after sacking as Aston Villa ‘consider’ Thomas Frank