Sam Allardyce shrugs off talk of Palace raid for in-form Wilfried Zaha as Spurs circle

Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce has dismissed media reports linking Wilfried Zaha with a move away from Selhurst Park and called on referees to offer more protection for the “genius” winger.

Zaha, whose contract runs until the end of 2019-20 season, has yet to agree on a new deal and Allardyce is hoping Palace chairman Steve Parish can persuade the Ivorian international to extend his stay at the club.

“That’s the chairman’s responsibility,” Allardyce told reporters when asked whether he will be able to retain Zaha.

“Spurs were always mentioned because agents or somebody decided to stir the pot. We all know who stirs the pot, behind the scenes, who do it, even though they deny it, but we know they do it.”

Allardyce also asked for match officials to be extra vigilant when refereeing Zaha, suggesting the 24-year-old was targeted by opposing defenders on a consistent basis.