Wilfried Zaha in shock Galatasaray talks over free transfer in blow to Saudi suitors

Galatasaray have confirmed they have opened talks to sign Wilfried Zaha on a free transfer following his Crystal Palace exit.

The 30-year-old winger is a free agent after running his contract down at Selhurst Park.

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talkSPORT revealed that the Eagles had offered the Ivory Coast international a four-year deal worth £200,000-a-week.

But after two spells at Palace where he has chipped in with 90 goals in 458 games, Zaha has opted to embark on a new adventure.

Zaha had been linked with a big-money switch to Saudi Arabia, while Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with an interest in their quest to replace Lionel Messi.

Italian outfit Lazio have most recently been touted as a possible destination for the ex-Manchester United forward – along with Turkish side Fenerbahce.

However it appears that Super Lig champions Galatasaray have won the race to nab the former Cardiff loan star.

Okan Burak’s side released a statement on Twitter where they revealed that negotiations are underway to sign the player.

It read: “Formal negotiations have been initiated with professional footballer Dazet Wilfried Armel Zaha regarding the transfer of the footballer to our club.”

And according to The Guardian, while the deal is yet to be completed, there is confidence from Galatasaray that they have done enough to get their man.

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They have even stated that Zaha will be pocketing less money at Rams Global Stadium than what he would have earned staying at Palace or moving to the Middle East.

Zaha has been vocal in the past of his desire to test himself in the Champions League.

And he would able to feature in Europe’s premier competition should he link up with Galatasaray.

They have qualified for the second round of qualifying for next season’s edition after winning the Turkish top-flight.