• Premier League

Palace dismiss Zaha return

Zaha was instrumental in Crystal Palace's promotion to the Premier League © PA Photos

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Crystal Palace have been quick to distance themselves from speculation that Wilfried Zaha will return to Selhurst Park if, as is starting to look likely, Manchester United permit the £15 million winger to leave on loan in the winter transfer window.

The England international came through the Palace youth system and was the final player signed by Sir Alex Ferguson last January, though he remained at Selhurst Park for the rest of the campaign and helped the Eagles win promotion in the playoff final.

But Zaha has swiftly fallen out of favour at Old Trafford and is still yet to make his Premier League debut, with his only United appearance coming in August's Community Shield win over Wigan.

The winger has been linked with Newcastle and West Ham and while Palace fans would likely welcome him back with open arms, the Eagles already have two players on season-long loans - Stoke's Cameron Jerome and Southampton's Jason Puncheon - and are not allowed any more.

Manager Ian Holloway told the South London Press: "David Moyes has his own issues at Manchester United, so if we were to go shouting about wanting him back on loan, I don't think we will ever get him back.

"Besides, we have options [on the wings] - Jason Puncheon can play either side and in the pocket as well as in central midfield. Yannick Bolasie is coming back and will do well. It is all about having a squad that is strong enough to make changes and sustain good performances.

"At the moment, we are not beating people. [Jimmy] Kebe might have the chance to do that. And we know Jerome Thomas can."

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