Could Palace starlet be a January transfer target for United

One saying in football that never gets old is ‘shop window’ and that’s exactly what some of Crystal Palace’s players did a fortnight ago at Old Trafford when they knocked Manchester United out of the Carling Cup and advanced into the competition’s semi-finals.

Wilfred Zaha had a good night and looked lively up top, looking surprisingly strong holding the ball off of United’s defenders and all his performance lacked was a goal. Former Newcastle United and Charlton midfielder Darren Ambrose came on and impressed banging in the opener for Palace before Federico Macehda equalised from the spot shortly after.

Nathaniel Clyle also impressed on the night at right-back showing why the England Under-21 defender has been getting rave reviews for his displays in England’s second-tier Championship division. His performance suggested that he was a Premier League player in waiting and it’s no surprise that now the defender is being linked to clubs left, right and centre.

Even before Palace’s shock win, Clyne had been linked with moves to Aston Villa, Everton and Spurs. Now though the rumour-mill is declaring that Sir Alex Ferguson is now eyeing up the right-back with the possibility of signing him in January.

Clearly Clyne is one for the future and perhaps a move to United at this stage of his career might be a move too big too soon. Then again, the media and football fans said it was too soon for Chris Smalling to move to Old Trafford and bar one or two shaky moments he’s been a renowned success to such a level that in only his second season he’s now an England regular.

United could do no worse than buy Clyne in January and send the 20-year-old out on loan to a Premier League side to gain further experience. Will it happen? No-one can tell. Will Clyne be on the move from Selhurst Park? That’s a given.