A Premier League-based African star is now reportedly considering a move to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr.
The Saudi Arabian outfit is widely believed to be seeking talent who are well-versed in European football, which has seen them reportedly pursue the likes of LaLiga duo Sergio Busquets and Luka Modric, as well as Sergio Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain.
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Reports suggest that the side is keen to further bolster their squad with notable names following Ronaldo's blockbuster arrival in the Middle East, and are also desperate to end the domestic dominance of their arch-rivals Al Hilal, who have won five of the last six Saudi Pro League titles.
With several former Premier League players already plying their trade in the Gulf state, including ex-Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina and former Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Helder Costa, the Riyadh team is now said to have switched its attention to another English top-flight star.
According to the Evening Standard, Al Nassr are interested in signing Crystal Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha on a free deal, with his contract at Selhurst Park set to expire at the end of June.
The Ivory Coast international is understood to have refused a contract renewal from the London team, despite talks of an increase being offered on his sizeable wages of £130 000 (R2.8 million) a week.
The 30-year-old himself is believed to be interested in the potential transfer to the Saudi giants, although there is also interest in his signature from reigning Italian champions AC Milan.
Zaha is said to be tempted by the idea of becoming the next high-profile player to make the switch to the Saudi Pro League, with funding for big-name players often coming from the country's government with a view to further commercialising their football competition and brand.
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Saudi teams can ask the state to help finance a transfer if the player is believed to be among the top 150 players in the world and can thus help grow the league, with Al Nassr said to consider Zaha to be firmly in that bracket.
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