Concerning particulars of Bukayo Saka’s damage, MLS golf equipment in for Wilfried Zaha and the Man City stalwart whose future in query: THE SAMI MOKBEL COLUMN

Wilfried Zaha is emerging as a transfer target for MLS clubs, Mail Sport understands.

The former Crystal Palace hero’s career, who is contracted to Turkish side Galatasarary, is in limbo following a loan move to Lyon at the start if the season that has failed to gather momentum.

The winger has made just one start for the Ligue 1 club since his arrival in August and a number of Premier League sides have been alerted to his potential availability.

He was spotted back at Selhurst Park last week for his ex-club’s clash against Arsenal, sparking talk of a potential return to south London in January – particularly given the Eagles were interested in re-signing Zaha on loan during the summer window.

However, any return to the Premier League appears likely to be blocked by FIFA red tape.

While regulations for world football’s governing body state that players can register with three clubs during a season, they are only permitted 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 section of 5.4 of FIFA rules.

With that in mind, given Zaha came on as a late substitute in Galatasaray’s Turkish Super Cup defeat to Besiktas in August and has played six times for Lyon this season – the winger appears to be prohibited to play for another side this season.

However, there is an exception that would allow Zaha play for three clubs in a season according to FIFA statute.

A player is permitted to play for third side during the season in question if he is moving between clubs belonging to domestic leagues that cross over.

Rule 5.4 continues: ‘As an exception to this rule, a player moving between two clubs belonging to associations with overlapping seasons (i.e. start of the season in summer/autumn as opposed to winter/spring) may be eligible to play in official matches for a third club during the relevant season, provided they have fully complied with their contractual obligations towards their previous clubs, and provided that the provisions relating to registration periods and the minimum length of a contract are respected.’

In view of that rule, the fact the MLS season runs from February to October opens the door to Zaha joining a club in America’s top league.

Indeed, Mail Sport has learned that a number of sides across the Atlantic are giving serious consideration to moving for Zaha.

Given Zaha has fallen out of favour at Galatasaray, it appears likely the Turkish club will not stand in the 32-year-old’s way should he decided to move to America provided a deal can be agreed over his £3.75million annual salary.

The MLS has become renowned for luring top players from European leagues reaching the twilight of their careers.

Zaha will turn 33 in November and may consider this period in his career as the right time to move to America.

The attacker’s switch to Istanbul in the summer of 2023 allowed him to fulfil a lifelong ambition of playing in the Champions League.

The Ivory Coast international, who became Sir Alex Ferguson’s final ever signing for Manchester United, made seven appearances in the competition last season – even scoring at Old Trafford in Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over his former club.

However, Zaha’s move to Istanbul has not gone according to plan and he could be set for a new challenge away from Europe.

Saka’s injury concerns 

Arsenal feared Bukayo Saka’s hamstring had become detached from the bone as he suffered the injury against Crystal Palace last week.

Saka limped off in obvious discomfort during the 5-1 victory at Selhurst Park, with Mail Sport reporting earlier this week that the winger is set to miss around two months.

In usual circumstances, medics generally wait until the following day an injury is suffered 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 night with a view to ascertaining whether the hamstring had become unattached from the bone given Saka was complaining of significant pain – illustrated by the fact 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 recovery time.

Replacing 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 arduous 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 over whether to replace the respected executive.

And Mail Sport has learned that Berrada has started to consider the remit of any new executive appointment given the club are not expected to go for another sporting director.

Silva’s future in question 

Bernardo Silva is set to be one of the Manchester City stars whose future will come under the microscope at the end of the season.

City’s squad is expected to undergo a revamp following a disappoint season thus far.

And Portugal forward Silva is among the players whose position in Pep Guardiola’s plans is unclear ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Silva has been an integral member of a City side that has dominated domestically and helped City to their first Champions League triumph in 2023.

However, the 30-year-old was linked with a move from from the Etihad Stadium over the previous two summers but has remained at the club with sources claiming City were open to listening to offers for their brilliant midfielder.

Indeed, Silva will enter the final 12 months of his deal in the summer and will likely attract attention from top clubs in Europe once again.

Baxter at Sportsbank 

Mail Sport can reveal two further leading figures behind Sportsbank, the investment vehicle set take control of John Textor’s shares in Crystal Palace as a former Liverpool communications executive and a real estate and urban regeneration director.

The group are on course to buy into Eagle Football Holdings, the company – owned by Textor – that owns a 45 stake in the Eagles.

We have already disclosed two key members at the forefront of Sportsbank’s proposed £230million 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, has key role with 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 lead member. Bhatti has been a Palace supporter for 56 years and grew up on Whitehorse Lane – a stones throw from the stadium.

Blades chiefs to meet with Wilder 

Sheffield United’s new owner are due to meet head coach Chris Wilder and other key members of staff this week.

American-based consortium COH Sports officially completed their takeover of the Bramall Lane side on Monday, with representatives due to attend today’s top of the table clash against Burnley.

And it is understood, the new owners will hold talks with Wilder and over the next 48 hours as they get to grips with their acquisition.

The Blades are currently top of the Championship table.

Makelele’s return 

Chelsea icon Claude Makelele was back schmoozing in football circles in Doha last week as he plots a return to work.

The former France international was among the attendees at a star-studded function organised by the organisers of the World Cup in Qatar for last week’s Intercontinental Cup between Real Madrid and Pachuca.

Makelele left his role as Greek side Asteras Tripolis’ head coach after less than a month in charge in October.

David Dein was also one of the high-profile names on the guest list.

Eagles eye-up transfer targets 

Crystal Palace are among the clubs interested in Slavia Prague left wing back El Hadji Malik Diouf.

Head coach Oliver Glasner has placed a new left-sided defender 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 accelerate their interest in Malick Diouf when the market reopens on January 1.

Palace are also on the look out an attacker next month. Lyon’s Rayan Cherki is of interest but the French attacker is understood to have various options.