Wilfried Zaha is emerging as a transfer target for MLS clubs, Mail Sport understands.
The career of the former Crystal Palace hero, who is signed to Turkish side Galatasarary, is in limbo after a move to Lyon early on if the season has failed to gain momentum.
The winger has made just one debut for the Ligue 1 club since arriving in August and a number of Premier League clubs have been made aware of his potential availability.
He was recovered from Selhurst Park during his ex-club's match against Arsenal last week, sparking rumors of a possible return to south London in January – especially as the Eagles were interested in re-signing Zaha during the summer window.
However, any return to the Premier League appears likely to be blocked by FIFA's red tape.
Although world football's governing body regulations state that players can register for three clubs during a season, they are only allowed to play for two clubs during the relevant campaign.
'Players may be registered with a maximum of three clubs during one season. During this period, a player is only eligible to play official matches for two clubs,” reads paragraph 5.4 of the FIFA Rules.
With that in mind, given that Zaha came on as a late substitute in Galatasaray's Turkish Super Cup defeat to Besiktas in August and has made six appearances for Lyon this season, the winger appears to be banned from appearing for any other side this season to play.
However, there is an exception that would allow Zaha to play for three clubs in a season under FIFA statutes.
A player is permitted to play for the third team during the relevant season if he moves between clubs belonging to intersecting national competitions.
Rule 5.4 continues: 'As an exception to this rule, a player who moves between two clubs belonging to associations with overlapping seasons (i.e. the start of the season in summer/autumn as opposed to winter/spring) may qualify come to play in official matches for a third club during the season in question, provided that they have fully fulfilled their contractual obligations to their previous clubs, and provided that the provisions regarding registration periods and the minimum duration of a contract are respected .'
In light of that rule, the fact that the MLS season runs from February to October opens the door for Zaha to join a club in the American top flight.
Indeed, Mail Sport has learned that a number of sides on the other side of the Atlantic are seriously considering a move for Zaha.
Given Zaha has fallen out of favor at Galatasaray, it seems likely that the Turkish club will not stand in the 32-year-old's way if he decides to move to America, provided a deal can be agreed on his annual salary of £3.75 million.
The MLS is known for luring top players from European leagues who are reaching the twilight of their careers.
Zaha turns 33 in November and may see this period in his career as the right time to move to America.
The forward's move to Istanbul in the summer of 2023 allowed him to realize a lifelong ambition: playing in the Champions League.
The Ivory Coast international, who became Sir Alex Ferguson's last ever signing at Manchester United, made seven appearances in the league last season and even scored at Old Trafford in Galatasaray's 3-2 win over his former club.
However, Zaha's move to Istanbul has not gone to plan and he could be ready for a new challenge outside Europe.
Saka's injury concerns
Arsenal feared Bukayo Saka's hamstring had come loose when he suffered the injury against Crystal Palace last week.
Saka limped off in apparent discomfort during the 5-1 win at Selhurst Park, with Mail Sport reporting earlier this week that the winger will miss around two months.
Under normal circumstances, medics typically wait until the next day an injury is sustained before sending players for initial scans.
However, it is understood the Gunners were so concerned about the extent of Saka's injury that they sent him for a scan on Saturday evening to determine whether the hamstring had separated from the bone, as Saka complained of significant pain – illustrated by the fact that the 23-year-old left Selhurst Park on crutches.
Such an injury, known as hamstring avulsion, usually requires surgery and can take up to six months of recovery time.
Replaced Ashworth
Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has begun the process of determining whether the club will replace Dan Ashworth.
Sporting director Ashworth left Old Trafford earlier this month, just five months after his troubled arrival from Newcastle was confirmed.
Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox will take on the bulk of Ashworth's responsibilities while a decision is made on whether to replace the respected director.
And Mail Sport understands that Berrada has begun considering the task of a new board appointment as the club is not expected to opt for another sporting director.
Silva's future is at stake
Bernardo Silva becomes one of several Manchester City stars whose future will come under scrutiny at the end of the season.
City's squad is expected to undergo an overhaul after a disappointing season so far.
And Portuguese forward Silva is among the players whose position in Pep Guardiola's plans is unclear ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Silva was an integral member of City who dominated domestically and helped City to their first Champions League win in 2023.
However, the 30-year-old has been linked with a move from the Etihad Stadium over the past two summers, but he remained at the club and sources claimed City were open to offers for their brilliant midfielder.
Silva will enter the final 12 months of his contract in the summer and is likely to attract the attention of top clubs in Europe again.
Baxter at Sportsbank
Mail Sport can reveal two more leading figures behind Sportsbank, the investment vehicle that takes control of John Textor's shares in Crystal Palace as former Liverpool communications manager and director of real estate and urban regeneration.
The group is on course to buy Eagle Football Holdings, the company – owned by Textor – that owns a 45 stake in the Eagles.
We've already revealed two key members spearheading Sportsbank's proposed £230m deal as south London businessman Zechariah Janjua and Navshir Jaffer.
And now it can be revealed that Matthew Baxter, a communications expert who used to work at Anfield, will play a key role at Sportsbank.
Baxter is a lifelong Palace fan, whose grandparents used to live near Selhurst Park.
Javaid Bhatti, the group's investment director, is also a leading member. Bhatti has been a Palace supporter for 56 years and grew up on Whitehorse Lane – a stone's throw from the stadium.
Blades chiefs meet Wilder
Sheffield United's new owner will meet head coach Chris Wilder and other key staff this week.
American-based consortium COH Sports officially completed the takeover of Bramall Lane on Monday, with representatives set to attend today's top-flight match against Burnley.
And it is understood the new owners will hold talks with Wilder over the next 48 hours to get a grip on their takeover.
The Blades currently sit at the top of the Championship table.
Makeleles return
Chelsea icon Claude Makelele was back among football circles in Doha last week as he made plans to return to work.
The former France international was among those present at a star-studded meeting organized by World Cup organizers in Qatar for last week's Intercontinental Cup between Real Madrid and Pachuca.
Makelele left his role as head coach of Greek side Asteras Tripolis after less than a month in charge in October.
David Dein was also one of the high-profile names on the guest list.
Eagles look at transfer targets
Crystal Palace are among the clubs interested in Slavia Prague left back El Hadji Malik Diouf.
Head coach Oliver Glasner has placed a new left-sided defenseman to compete with Tyrick Mitchell at the top of his January shopping list.
Diouf is only 19 and has already made his senior debut for Senegal. Palace are ready to increase their interest in Malick Diouf when the market reopens on January 1.
Palace are also looking for a striker next month. Lyon's Rayan Cherki is interesting, but the French forward is believed to have several options.
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