Chelsea’s transfer ban being lifted spells bad news for Crystal Palace.

The Blues were originally handed a two transfer-window ban meaning they would be unable to make any signings next month, but the Court of Arbitration for Sport made a decision to halve the ban after hearing their appeal.

This means Frank Lampard’s side are now free to conduct business in January and with the Stamford Bridge outfit well known admirers of Wilfried Zaha, it’s thought a move for the winger is imminent.

Zaha has been outspoken about his desire to play at the highest level and Chelsea who are fighting on all fronts, both domestically and in Europe, can offer him that.

The Ivorian has hit a purple patch in form recently which will only magnify speculation, something Zaha’s agent is all too aware of.

"I think he really deserves a new challenge and a top club, because he is really a top player," his agent Federico Pastorello claimed.

"It is surprising me because I read about a possible move in the summer but he stayed again. 

"But this season he is proving that he is very focused and concentrated, so think he could be another good opportunity in the January market.

"There have been a lot of changes in the Premier League in terms of managers.

"Sometimes when you do that you need to face his needs tactically. So expect maybe Tottenham being a bit more protagonist in the market, maybe Manchester United too.

"Let’s see what happens in Chelsea too, because the ban is not sure. If they remove that they may need to do something.”

It’s widely known that Arsenal and Everton both saw bids rejected by Palace chairman Steve Parish in the summer, but whether they could reject any January approaches from clubs with the resources of Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham is to be seen.

Chelsea were handed the ban by FIFA after governing body adjudged they had broken regulations over signing minors from oversees.