What are Patrick Vieiras priorities as he starts work at Crystal Palace?
Crystal Palace have appointed Patrick Vieira as Roy Hodgsons replacement. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at what is in the in-tray of the new man at Selhurst Park. Sort out contract situation  Patrick Van Aanholt (right) and Andros Townsend are among those out of contract (Naomi Baker/PA)  There are 12 first-team players out of contract and one of them, Andros Townsend, revealed in May the club were waiting to appoint a manager before deciding who would get new terms. While Christian Benteke signed a two-year deal in June, several key players remain free to leave including Joel Ward, Gary Cahill and Patrick Van Aanholt. It might suit Vieira to let a large amount of the squad depart in order to bring in his own players, but the experience of those who could exit is invaluable and some will surely remain. Bring down average age  Gary Cahill, who turned 35 in December, was a regular for Crystal Palace last season (Lee Smith/PA)  A challenge for chairman Steve Parish and sporting director Dougie Freedman in recent transfer windows has been to freshen up the playing group. Everyone at Selhurst Park has been more than aware for some time there is a need to bring down the average age of the squad with numerous players aged 30 or over. Some of the elder statesmen will exit on free transfers while the signings of Nathan Ferguson, Ebere Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta  who are all 24 or below  during the last 12 months have helped, but Vieira will be involved in convincing more hungry, talented youngsters to join the Eagles. Coping without Eze  Eze proved a huge hit with the Palace fans after a 20million transfer from QPR last summer. After contributing four goals and six assists during his debut campaign in the Premier League, even more was expected for this term but an Achilles injury in May looks likely to rule the playmaker out for the rest of 2021. Coping without arguably the clubs second-best attacker is a big blow to former Arsenal captain Vieira and he will have to find a way to cover the loss of Ezes creativity. Manage latest Zaha saga  It's been an eventful four years and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you Roy for everything that you have done. Your wisdom has helped me understand a lot about who I am as a man and a footballer. Thanks for everything and all the best for the future, gaffer. pic.twitter.com/avKILNT8fA  Wilfried Zaha (@wilfriedzaha) May 18, 2021  As with every transfer window, the topic of Wilfried Zahas future is back on the agenda. Hodgson was able to handle the speculation impressively and  aside from a modest 2019-20 season  ensured Zaha remained unaffected by the constant talk over a move. That job is now Vieiras and with Eze out for the foreseeable future, Palaces reliance on last seasons top goalscorer feels greater than ever. A hefty bid could tempt Parish and Freedman to part ways with the Ivory Coast international if the funds can be reinvested in the squad, but the new boss would surely prefer to keep hold of the clubs star player.