Wilfried Zaha - Palace's Young Superstar

The latest young star to sweep the transfer pages of the tabloids is 19 year old Wilfreid Zaha. The Ivorian Coast-born striker has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs due to a number of eye-catching performances for his Championship outfit, Crystal Palace. Having appeared 43 times last season, being featured in every League match, the youngster is fast becoming a vital element to Dougie Freedman's side.

ZAHA: Despite his Ivory Coast origins, the young striker is eligible to play for England and has appeared twice for the U19's

  So far this season, the right winger has netted five times, including three in the Carling Cup. Palace currently lead 1-0 in the first leg of their cup tie against fellow championship side, Cardiff, with a trip to the Cardiff City Stadium to come on the 24th January. On the 20th of December last year, Zaha signed a five and a half year deal with Palace, essentially commiting himself to the club for the forseeable future. However, recent interest from clubs such as Newcaslte United, Liverpool and Manchester United have cast doubts over his career at Selhurst Park.

A number of tabloids have released stories concerning an apparent £10million bid for the right-winger from the Liverpool managment. The Palace manager did not rule out the sale of the player, however it would be unlikely if he departed before the second leg of Palace's Carling Cup semi final. If the club reach Wembley, Freedman will hope it will be enough to hold onto the player at least until the Summer transfer window.

Zaha's captain at Palace, Paddy McCarthy has warned the boy superstar that jumping ship from Palace too early would be a bad move in a career with huge potential. The skipper described the England youth international as a 'special talent' and 'The most naturally gifted individual I [McCarthy] have come across in my career'. Such high praise from such an experienced footballer, however may not be enough to keep the young striker at the club, with the promises of bigger things in the Premier league.

Peri Mould, @peri_mould