Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly planning to make an approach for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha in 2023.
Antonio Conte is currently well stocked for options in the final third, the Italian able to choose from Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski.
However, injuries to the latter pair during the first period of the season exposed Spurs' lack of alternatives in that area of the pitch.
Although Conte had Lucas Moura at his disposal, the long-serving playmaker is now only regarded as backup, while the Spurs boss has been reluctant to use Bryan Gil from the start of matches.
Spurs are expected to be active during the January transfer window, Conte allegedly keen on adding a player to his squad that can play at wing-back and further down the flank.
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Nevertheless, providing that he plans to sign a new long-term contract with the North Londoners which will take him past the end of 2022-23, Conte will also have one eye on the summer.
According to Football Insider, Spurs would like to sign Zaha when his Palace contract expires at the end of June.
While Zaha is in the ninth year of his second spell at Selhurst Park, he has frequently been linked with a move elsewhere throughout his time with the Eagles.
Spurs are long-term admirers of the Ivory Coast international and have allegedly had bids rejected in the past when Zaha had multiple years left on his deal.
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However, spending 12 full seasons of his career in a Palace shirt is only expected to encourage the 30-year-old to take an opportunity elsewhere ahead of next season.
The academy graduate is currently enjoying a productive campaign, contributing six goals and two assists from his 13 starts in the top flight.
That return has helped Palace occupy 11th position in the standings, holding a game in hand on the two teams directly above them and being just three points adrift of sixth-placed Liverpool.
Despite the realistic prospect of losing Zaha on a free transfer if they do not sell him in January, Palace are unlikely to consider any cut-price bids at the turn of the year.
Darren Plant
