CRYSTAL Palace and Manchester United confirmed on Friday morning that they have reached an agreement which will see Wilfried Zaha move to Old Trafford in July.
The winger has been immediately loan back to Palace for the remaining five months, but in one of the longest transfer sagas witnessed at Selhurst Park, the deal has finally been done.
Eagles chairman Steve Parish is delighted to complete all formalities and believes the club can continue their promotion push towards the Premier League - where both parties may meet immediately next season in what would be an emotional return for Zaha.
Parish said: "I feel this is a great deal for the club and the player. We would like to thank Wilf for all he has done for the club.
"It was essential to Wilf and ourselves that he stayed at Palace for the remainder of this season to help the club with its main aim of promotion to the Premier League."
Meanwhile, Zaha, himself, said he was happy to join the 19-times Premier League champions, but clearly has another agenda for the next few months - to get the Eagles up to the top flight again.
"My focus for the next five months will be solely at Crystal Palace," he said.
"The fans have always been so good to me.
"I've been at Palace for more than 10 years, I will always love the club and I want to help get them get back to the Premier League.
"I am delighted to be joining Manchester United and ending recent speculation. I would like to thank the owners at Palace."
Manchester United have also announced on their website after concluding the deal: "There will be no further comment by any party until Wilfried joins United in July 2013."
Zaha is expected to stay in the starting line-up under Palace boss Ian Holloway for next Wednesday's trip to Huddersfield Town - and for the rest of the campaign.
The winger has been immediately loan back to Palace for the remaining five months, but in one of the longest transfer sagas witnessed at Selhurst Park, the deal has finally been done.
Eagles chairman Steve Parish is delighted to complete all formalities and believes the club can continue their promotion push towards the Premier League - where both parties may meet immediately next season in what would be an emotional return for Zaha.
Parish said: "I feel this is a great deal for the club and the player. We would like to thank Wilf for all he has done for the club.
"It was essential to Wilf and ourselves that he stayed at Palace for the remainder of this season to help the club with its main aim of promotion to the Premier League."
Meanwhile, Zaha, himself, said he was happy to join the 19-times Premier League champions, but clearly has another agenda for the next few months - to get the Eagles up to the top flight again.
"My focus for the next five months will be solely at Crystal Palace," he said.
"The fans have always been so good to me.
"I've been at Palace for more than 10 years, I will always love the club and I want to help get them get back to the Premier League.
"I am delighted to be joining Manchester United and ending recent speculation. I would like to thank the owners at Palace."
Manchester United have also announced on their website after concluding the deal: "There will be no further comment by any party until Wilfried joins United in July 2013."
Zaha is expected to stay in the starting line-up under Palace boss Ian Holloway for next Wednesday's trip to Huddersfield Town - and for the rest of the campaign.
Follow me on Twitter for the latest Palace news, exclusives and live match updates @AdvertiserSport
If you're on Facebook, please 'Like' our page at www.facebook.com/AdvertiserSport
Watch our exclusive away videos following Palace around the country on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/AdvertiserSport
