Palace chairman slams Spurs over Zaha pursuit

London (AFP) – Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish criticised Tottenham Hotspur over their pursuit of Wilfried Zaha on Friday, branding their bid for the winger “ridiculous”.

Parish claims to have rejected an offer of 12 million pounds ($15.9 million, 14 million euros) for the 23-year-old, who returned to Palace from Manchester United in February 2015.

“We had a bid from Spurs, but 12 million pounds — it’s ridiculous. I can’t imagine that they’re serious,” Parish told talkSPORT radio.

“There’s no chance whatsoever of Wilfried Zaha leaving the club in this transfer window. I can absolutely reassure every Palace fan he is an integral part of our plans.

“We’ve told Spurs that there is really no point bidding for him because he is going nowhere — 100 percent guaranteed.”

Parish, who said he had not discussed the matter with Zaha, added: “It’s not right, really, that players get their heads turned.

“I was told the manager there (Mauricio Pochettino) thinks he’s the next Ronaldo. Well I’d like to get the next Ronaldo for 12 million pounds.

“We need to convince Wilfried that Palace is the right place for him and that he can succeed here.”

Ivory Coast-born Zaha, who has been capped twice by England, signed for United from Palace in January 2013 in a deal that reportedly could have been worth up to 15 million pounds.

But he failed to settle at Old Trafford and returned to Palace last year.

Palace have lost their opening two Premier League fixtures and host Bournemouth on Saturday.