Pundit Noel Whelan doesn’t think Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha will join Aston Villa following rumours of a possible move.

The Lowdown: Villa speculation

Zaha is out of contract at Selhurst Park at the end of the current campaign and is not close to signing an extension despite being verbally offered a pay rise.

The 30-year-old has been linked with a move to Aston Villa in recent days as a result, with Villa Park thought to be the most likely next destination for the Ivorian at this moment in time.

The Latest: Whelan’s comments

Whelan, who previously contributed for the BBC, was talking to Football Insider regarding Zaha and a potential move to Villa Park, but doesn’t believe a move will materialise.

“I think realistically, you can only see him going to a London club.

“I don’t think he wants to leave the capital unless it’s for Man City. We saw him go to Man United, and he wasn’t the same player.

“If he’s going to finish his career and finish it on a high – you’re looking at Arsenal, Chelsea, or Tottenham.

“I don’t see Aston Villa as a potential.

“He’ll want to challenge for league titles, cups, and play in the Champions League. That’s not something that Villa can offer.”

The Verdict: True…

Whelan makes some valid points regarding a possible move to the Midlands, where you could argue it would be a sideward step.

Unai Emery’s side won’t be able to offer European football and look unlikely to offer it next season despite a positive start under the Spaniard.

Therefore, if Zaha wants to take his game to the next level, perhaps it would benefit him more by joining a club in the Champions League or Europa League, whether that be in England or abroad, with his situation still one to watch closely heading into 2023.