Crystal Palace Transfer Dossier: Eagles Could be Third Time Lucky with Zaha Offer

The changes Tony Pulis brought with him to Selhurst Park saw relegation concerns evaporate last season but the Crystal Palace manager's real test will be establishing the club as a stable Premier League force.

Dreaded second season syndrome has claimed the top flight status of many clubs before them but with the full backing of co-chairman Steve Parish, Pulis has already demonstrated his desire to ensure the club's stay in the Premier League isn't short-lived.

Business done so far

Pulis has already shown the door to 12 players at Selhurst Park, including Dean Moxey, Jonathan Parr, Danny Gabbidon and Aaron Wilbraham who were all members of the squad that helped the Eagles win the Championship play-off final last year. Although his place on the club's 'released' players list and his tears following the conclusion of that pulsating 3-3 draw with Liverpool suggested his time at the club was over, Julian Speroni remains in talks with Palace over a new deal, along with Marouane Chamakh and Kagisho Dikgacoi.

What they need

The resurgence masterminded by Pulis at Palace was built on defensive solidity and precision on the counter attack, leaving Palace with work to do elsewhere if they wish to consistently control games next term. A creative midfielder following the failed Jose Campana project and questions over Jonny Williams' role in Pulis' side is a must. With Cameron Jerome's loan deal finished and Chamakh another likely departure, a striker with proven Premier League pedigree is another priority.

Who could join

Rather inevitably, two names linked with summer moves to south east London would be making the move down from the Britannia Stadium. Republic of Ireland international Jon Walters found first-team opportunities hard to come by in the final months of the season and recently admitted he would consider a move, while powerful midfielder Steven N'Zonzi may also be tempted by a reunion with his former manager.

It could also prove to be third time lucky for Palace in their attempts to resign Wilfried Zaha. After the club were rebuffed last summer, Pulis admitted last December he would like to have the Manchester United winger back at the club before he joined Cardiff. Given the significant upheaval expected at Old Trafford this summer, the club could finally get their wish. Connor Wickham's sensational conclusion to the 2013/14 season suggest Pulis's task of prising him from Sunderland is now significantly more difficult.

Who might leave

Highly-regarded midfielder Jonny Williams was shipped out on loan to Ipswich Town by Pulis and with both Cardiff and Swansea City reportedly interested in the Welshman he could be the one to leave should the manager not find a position for him. Julian Speroni's heroics last season will ensure he will have no shortage of suitors should the club allow the admired Argentine to leave.

What the manager has said

"The club is a smashing club, it's got fantastic support and fantastic potential, but it's a way behind what it should be. But that was the same situation at Stoke.

"I had a magnificent chairman there in Peter Coates who backed me and allowed me to build the football club up for seven, eight years. That's what you want, the backing and let people do your job. You get paid to do your job, and I enjoy doing this job."