Zaha wants to stay at Crystal Palace amid links to Mourinho’s Roma, claims Vieira

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira insists Wilfried Zaha is content at Selhurst Park as he labelled the winger’s transfer links to Roma as “just a report”.

Zaha was a standout performer for Palace once again in the 2021-22 campaign, managing 15 goal involvements – four more than any team-mate.

The Ivory Coast international scored 14 times in the English top flight last term, his best return in his Premier League career.

But Zaha is heading into the final year of his contract at Palace, with reports suggesting Jose Mourinho’s Roma are interested in signing the 29-year-old.

Zaha did not travel on Palace’s pre-season tour of Australia and Singapore, but Vieira is certain the forward does not want to move away.

“It’s just a report I think,” Vieira said ahead of Friday’s friendly against Liverpool in Singapore. “We are in a period where there is a lot of speculation regarding players.

“What is really important for me and the football club is that Wilfried Zaha came back on time and he is working well to have a good season.

“What goes on in the papers, it is difficult for us to control. What I know is that he is happy in our football club and he is looking forward to the new season at our football club.”

Zaha has been mooted as a transfer target for clubs such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Everton and Borussia Dortmund in recent seasons, but Palace have managed to keep hold of their talisman.

Vieira will hope to have Zaha available when Palace open their Premier League campaign at home to Arsenal on August 5.