‘Zaha’s new deal was a brilliant piece of business,’ says ex-Crystal Palace midfielder

Former Crystal Palace midfielder Simon Osborn believes that his former club made a major statement of intent – long before they appointed Frank de Boer as their new manager.

At the tail end of May, the Eagles tied star winger Wilfried Zaha down to a new five-year contract, pouring hot water on Tottenham Hotspur’s attempts to prise away the Ivory Coast – and two-time England – international.

The 24-year-old was named Palace’s player of the season last term after a fruitful campaign that saw him score seven goals and lay on nine assists.

Osborn, who made 55 appearances for Palace and helped the club win the First Division in the 1993-94 season, reckons that his old employers may have pulled off their best business of the summer already.

“It’s intent – and he had another fantastic season last year,” said the 45-year-old, who also had spells with Wolves and Walsall.

(Michael Steele /Allsport)

“People have always questioned him for being a bit hit-and-miss but his consistency last season was fantastic.

“Steve Parish [Palace chairman] wasn’t afraid to put his hand in his pocket to give Wilfried a new deal but we also saw that last year with the Tottenham interest.

“They [Palace] will have their targets now. It will be interesting. I expect the club to have a good summer.”