Everton deny making second Zaha bid

Wilfried Zaha is wanted by Everton

Everton have denied making a second bid for Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha involving cash-plus-players.

We understand that, having had an initial cash-only bid rejected, Everton were willing to part with £55m plus forward Cenk Tosun and midfielder James McCarthy.

But Everton say talk of such an offer is premature, while confirming that they did make a first bid for the player.

A club statement read: “Everton Football Club categorically denies that a bid has been submitted to Crystal Palace for Wilfried Zaha that included an increased sum plus Cenk Tosun and James McCarthy.

“Everton and Crystal Palace have a very good relationship.

“A bid was made over the weekend which was turned down. Both clubs agreed that was the end of the matter.”

Arsenal originally appeared to be favourites to sign Zaha – but they are now poised to complete a deal for Lille winger Nicolas Pepe.

Zaha’s preference was for a move that would keep him in London, but he was understood to be willing to move to the north west.

We understand Everton may have been willing to send Cenk Tosun to Crystal Palace as part of a deal for Wilfried Zaha

The 26-year-old has scored 53 goals in 323 games across two spells at Selhurst Park, but is believed to be keen to prove himself at the highest level.

The Ivory Coast international is understood to have informed Palace of his desire to leave Selhurst Park after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, the south Londoners value Zaha at £80m and are under no financial pressure to sell, having already seen Aaron Wan-Bissaka join Manchester United for £50m this summer.

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