CRYSTAL PALACE are leading the chase for Josh Maja after he snubbed a new Sunderland deal.
Sunderland have been desperate to tie the forward down to a new £5,000-a-week contact – eight times his current £600-a-week deal.
But Palace have now emerged as serious contenders for his signature after he decided to reject the new terms.
Huddersfield and Cardiff have also asked about the £5million-rated striker, who has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season.
There is also interest from Germany, where his agent has moved players – including Jadon Sancho – in the past.
Maja’s current contract expires at the end of the season and the Black Cats thought they had settled on terms for him to commit his future to the Stadium of Light.
But Maja told boss Jack Ross today he will not be penning a new deal on the advice of his agent.
That decision came just 24 hours after he said he wanted to sign.
Sunderland will now likely cash in on Maja rather than keep him until the summer when he would leave for minimal compensation.
Owner Stewart Donald tweeted: “Yesterday Josh sought Jack out unprompted and said he wants to sign his contract.
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“Today Josh says his agent has told him not to sign for Sunderland.
“He wants to sign it, the agent has said don't!
“Stay behind him and don't get on his back – we will try and change his mind.”
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