Alan Pardew inisists there is “no problem” between him and Wilfried Zaha despite the unsettling transfer rumours surrounding the winger.
Yesterday’s rumour mill had Crystal Palace fans worrying that the 23-year-old had asked to leave Selhurst Park to pursue the interest from Tottenham Hotspur, and the Eagles boss admitted they had talked ahead of receiving Spurs’ bid.
However, any chance of Zaha leaving Palace was vetoed by chairman Steve Parish, who called Spurs’ £12m valuation “ridiculous”.
Pardew said: “I spoke to Wilf and said we'd have to see what the bid was, then I spoke with the chairman.
"We never instigated the transfer, or put his [Zaha's] name out there.
"Wilf came to see me and said Spurs were interested and could he go. The chairman has put the full stop on that deal and that's the right thing for us.
"He is a fans' favourite and we're very keen to keep him."
While Parish lashed out at Spurs' bid, declaring it impossible to take seriously, Pardew hinted at Tottenham's less than ethical pursuit of his prized asset.
He said: "I work well with Wilf, I think he's improved under my management and he's playing some great football. I hope that doesn't stop going forward.
“You can have ups and downs with players. I have no problem with Wilf whatsoever, and I completely understand what's gone on.
“He's our player of the year, and a player that I see in my plans going forward.”
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