Reports: Chelsea keeping tabs on £25m former Manchester United player

What's the story?

Defending Premier League champions Chelsea are reportedly planning to make a move for former Manchester United and current Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, according to English newspaper The Mirror.

The report claims that the Blues could potentially finalise a deal for the Ivory Coast international in next summer's transfer window.

In case you didn't know...

Zaha completed a £15m move to Manchester United back in 2013, at the tender age of 20. However, the youngster's life at Old Trafford did not go as planned - he only made four appearances during his two-year stint with the Red Devils.

After a loan spell at Cardiff City as well as returning to Palace on a six-month loan deal, he returned on a permanent basis at the start of 2015 for £3.5m.

Since then, he has revived his career and become a key player in Palace's side, regardless of their collective inconsistencies over the past few seasons. His fine form had attracted rumoured interest from other top-flight clubs, including north London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal being linked with his signature.

Roy Hodgson, the club's current boss, has recently admitted that interest in him may pose a threat but they must fight to keep their prized asset. He netted one and was excellent during their 3-0 away win over Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.

The heart of the matter

Chelsea have become the latest London club to register their interest in the winger after the aforementioned rivals. Mauricio Pochettino's side were seemingly frontrunners for his services, although now it appears that Chelsea may usurp Spurs to acquire him some time in the next few months.

9 - Only two players (De Bruyne and Sanchez) provided more assists from open play last season than Wilfried Zaha. Snip? #OptaFPLTips pic.twitter.com/VnQ04tr2bP

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 10, 2017

The 25-year-old forward is rated at £16.2m on Transfermarkt, but is likely to command a much higher transfer fee because he is Palace's star player and one that several clubs are tracking the progress of.

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Author's take

Zaha has done well to forget his United nightmare and showcase his ability with regularity at Crystal Palace, where he first earned plaudits for performances. With the talent he possesses, as well as the displays he produces, it seems only a matter of time before big clubs come in to sign him.

Next summer could potentially be the best time for the Ivorian to make his move. Tottenham, as opposed to Chelsea, could be a better destination for him as he's likely to earn more regular first-team minutes at Spurs - who themselves are long-time admirers.