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Premier League manager: This is the truth behind £25m Tottenham swoop
SAM ALLARDYCE has played down Tottenham's interest in Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.
Sam Allardyce plays down Wilfried Zaha Tottenham reports
Zaha, 24, was again Palace's stand-out player in Saturday's 1-0 win over Watford, when he regularly terrorised the visitors' defence and won the free-kick which led to Troy Deeney's own-goal.
His impressive form for Palace has attracted interest from Premier League giants Tottenham.
But Palace boss Allardyce said on £25million-rated Zaha: "Spurs were always mentioned because agents or somebody decided to stir the pot.
Wilfried Zaha was in fine form against Watford
"We all know who stirs the pot behind the scenes even though they deny it, but we know they do it."
Allardyce is more concerned with the on-field attention Zaha is receiving from opposition defenders, claiming he is targeted as much as Chelsea's Eden Hazard.
"He gets terrible treatment off the opposition because he's so skilful,” Allardyce added. "Maybe he needs a bit more protection from the referees.
"He's got to realise that's down to his genius ability that these lads can't cope, and because they can't cope they've got to end up fouling him. He can riddle past two or three, his feet are that good.
Sam Allardyce says Wilfried Zaha targeted by defenders
"He gets kicked as much as Hazard. Keep going Wilf, it's a compliment to you when people can't cope with your ability and have to foul you. Wilf, smile.
"Sometimes he doesn't smile enough because he doesn't realise how important this game is and how enjoyable it is.
"Sometimes he looks a bit miserable so I say, 'Wilf, come on lad, you're the luckiest'."