Steve Parish could give Crystal Palace's next manager a massive boost before he's even started...
What's the word?
According to The Athletic's Matt Woosnam, Eagles sensation Wilfried Zaha is more likely to sign a new contract at Selhurst Park than leave for a bigger club.
When asked about the 28-year-old winger and his future in south-east London, the ever-reliable journalist responded:
Woosnam also suggested towards the end of a recent column on the Ivory Coast international that "a move [this summer] may therefore not be forthcoming."
Major attraction
Roy Hodgson's own future is very much shrouded in mystery itself but as he nears the expiry of his contract, it does seem ever so likely that the 73-year-old veteran will part ways with Palace.
According to Football Insider, Burnley boss Sean Dyche is the top target to succeed him, whilst the likes of former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard and legendary Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira, among others, have been linked with the role.
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And Parish can make the job all that more attractive if he does tie down their star performer, Zaha, to a new deal. It'll hand whoever becomes the next man at Selhurst Park an instant boost.
The 28-year-old forward, who earns a reported £130k-per-week, has once again proved to be integral to their fortunes this season. His 6.88 average rating is only second to one other player, and he ranks top for goals scored (ten) and dribbles per game (1.8), via WhoScored.
In recent windows, Zaha has been heavily mooted with Premier League rivals Arsenal and Everton but ultimately, Palace's mega-money £80m asking price had put suitors off the £26m-rated talisman.
It's no wonder that the Gunners were linked with interest as their manager, Mikel Arteta, dubbed Zaha "phenomenal" and "unique," whilst Hodgson once reaffirmed his importance to the club by once describing him a "game-changer."
Back in February, Palace had lost 17 of 19 league games in his absence and even failed to score in 15 of those defeats, only highlighting how crucial he is to the side.
Whether it's Lampard, Dyche or even Hodgson, Parish can give the next man in the dugout a perfect start to life at the Eagles by tying down their leading man.
That's for sure.
AND in other news, Crystal Palace handed managerial boost amid Roy Hodgson claim