Tottenham have cleared the path for Chelsea to have a free run at signing Wilfried Zaha after dropping their interest in the Crystal Palace forward, claims The Daily Mirror.
Zaha has turned down an offer of a new contract from Palace and is determined to secure a move to one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs before Thursday’s deadline.
Tottenham have been heavily linked with a move for Zaha in the last few years but are unwilling to match Palace’s £75m valuation of the Ivory Coast international.
Chelsea have already had a £30m offer plus Michy Batshuayi rejected by the Eagles but are expected to return with an improved offer.
Zaha is arguably the best player plying his trade outside the traditional ‘top six’ clubs after successfully building his career following a failed stint at Manchester United.
New Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is keen to bolster his offensive options and has made Zaha a top transfer target for the FA Cup holders.
Only Eden Hazard (165) completed more dribbles than Zaha (119) in the Premier League last season, while the Palace star also chipped in with nine goals and three assists in 29 appearances.