Manchester United are one of the clubs showing the strongest interest in a potential transfer move forCrystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The France international has shone for Palace but is now seen as unlikely to engage in talks over a new contract, alerting Man Utd and others, as I first reportedhere for the Daily Briefing.
The Red Devils are alongside Newcastle and Tottenham as showing a strong interest inMateta, who is open to a new challengeafter winning silverware with Palace and working his way into the French national squad.
United could do with a top striker like that as an upgrade on the under-performing Benjamin Sesko, while he’d also surely make a good fit for clubs like Newcastle and Spurs.
Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer situation explained
According to my sources, Palace at one point looked like tying Mateta down to a new contract, but the feeling now is that he’s unlikely to engage further in talks as he wants to move.
This could lead to the 28-year-old being available for around £40m, with a January move possible.
“Palace had hoped to tie him down to a new contract, but I think there’s a growing realisation now that the player is unlikely to engage further in talks,” one source said.
“Mateta is one to watch for sure. A new contract doesn’t look likely, so they may well feel it’s a good time to cash in. Don’t be surprised if £40m gets a deal done,” another told me.
Where next for Jean-Philippe Mateta?
Mateta will likely want to play in Europe, which could be an issue for United, but it’s also true that MUFC still have that big-name pulling power, as we saw in the summer when they raided Premier League clubs to sign Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
Mateta might also do well, however, to consider Tottenham, where he’d surely get a key role in Thomas Frank’s side after a lack of impact from the north Londoners’ other strikers.
Newcastle could also be a good option as they need to replace Alexander Isak and might feel they already need an upgrade on the injury-prone Yoane Wissa.
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