Freedman slaps hefty price tag on Zaha

Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman says he values the club’s prized asset Wilfried Zaha at more than 11 million pounds.

Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly leading the English Premier League chase for the highly rated Championship forward.

However, Freedman and the club are determined to get full value if they are to lose the 19-year-old when the transfer window re-opens in January.

Freedman told Sky Sports: “I know he’s worth more than 11 million pounds – you’ll be getting him cheap if you get him for that, and I would say that because that’s how much I value him at.”

Freedman believes Zaha’s dedication and commitment to the game makes him a special player and feels he is on the way to becoming a star after being given the chance to shine at Palace.

“He’s a young man that’s come through the academy,” he said.

“I’ll tell you what he’s done this year – he’s dedicated himself to football, and that’s very impressive to see because the other things that come with being a football player these days is hard to deal with.

“But Wilfried has dedicated himself to the game, he’s working very, very hard, he’s got a good family around him and he’s heading in the right direction.

“We give young kids the opportunity to play, that’s what he’s doing right now, expressing his talent.”