Freedman: Zaha staying put

Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman has warned interested parties off his 19-year-old forward Wilfried Zaha.

The teenager has been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent weeks, and Freedman said he has fielded inquiries about the highly-rated prospect.

“I’ve had chit-chats with Kenny Dalglish and Alex Ferguson, but he is not going anywhere,” Freedman said.

England under-19 international Zaha came through Crystal Palace’s academy and made his debut at 17 last term, going on to win the club’s young player of the season award after making 44 appearances in all competitions.

He has played predominantly as a right winger or striker, and has continued his good form this season, impressing with his pace and array of tricks.

The forward has been recently linked with a string of clubs including Manchester United, Newcastle and Liverpool, despite signing a new five-and-a-half year contract last month.

Liverpool reportedly made a 10 million-pound offer, but any move may depend on Palace’s progress in their League Cup semi-final against Cardiff, with Freedman’s side leading 1-0 after the first leg at Selhurst Park.

It is believed the club want to keep the attacker for the second leg on January 24 and he will likely stay for the rest of the season if they progress to the final against either Manchester City or Liverpool.