Shock favourite emerges in transfer race for free agent Wilfried Zaha with club ‘close to agreement’

WILFRIED ZAHA is reportedly closing in on a move to Galatasaray.

The 30-year-old winger left Crystal Palace as a free agent at the beginning of July and is yet to seal a deal elsewhere.

Getty

Zaha is close to joining Galatasaray[/caption]

However, according to The Athletic, he is now on the verge of joining Turkish giants Galatasaray on a free transfer.

Galatasaray are said to be close to an agreement with Zaha, who has been linked with a series of clubs this summer.

Crystal Palace had hoped to keep the Ivory Coast international at Selhurst Park beyond this summer by offering him a new contract with a club-record wage, but he turned down all approaches.

The winger also received a proposal from Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, but he reportedly rejected the big-money bid in favour of staying in Europe.

Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli and Lazio have also been linked with a swoop for Zaha this summer, but all three clubs are now set to miss out on signing him.

Zaha has been eager to play in the Champions League throughout his career and a move to Galatasaray could finally make it happen.

The Turkish giants are set to continue their qualifying campaign next week against Lithuanian side Zalgiris.

Zaha joined Crystal Palace’s academy at the age of 12 in 2004 and made his professional debut six years later.

He signed for Manchester United in 2013, but he was limited to just four appearances during his short two-year stint at Old Trafford.

The winger returned to Crystal Palace two years later and quickly became a regular fixture in the first team.

He has since scored 90 goals and provided 70 assists in 458 appearances for the Eagles.

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and confirmed switches from the world of football