TBR Football understands that Crystal Palace are planning to open contract talks with in-demand striker Jean-Philippe Mateta amid interest from Manchester United.
Mateta has been in red hot form for the Eagles in recent times, and Mateta has earned plenty of praise this season.
Inevitably, those performances haven’t gone unnoticed, and Manchester United are now sniffing around Mateta.
Of course, this isn’t the only Crystal Palace star who’s a wanted man this summer.
Tottenham want Eberechi Eze in the summer transfer window, while Chelsea have been linked with Marc Guehi too.
United are keen on Mateta, but Palace aren’t willing to let their star striker go that easily.
Crystal Palace planning Jean-Philippe Mateta contract talks
According to information gathered by TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey, Crystal Palace want to open contract talks with Jean-Philippe Mateta.
TBR Football exclusively revealed in February that a host of clubs, including Manchester United, were keen on Mateta and were paying close attention to his situation.
Sources close to Mateta have told TBR Football that they are due for talks over a new deal with Palace. Palace took an option on the player earlier this season taking him to 2027, but the club acknowledge that his performances mean he is due fresh terms.
TBR Football understands that United are keen on Mateta, as he is one of the more experienced strikers they are looking at.
Having spent more than £100million on the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in recent seasons, were are told by United sources that they are open to bringing in an older striker to bolster their options.
Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Dusan Vlahovic are all on their radar – but Mateta with his Premier League experience is of interest to them – but the French striker does have interest from a number of rival clubs.
Palace are now due for talks, but if a new deal is not agreed by the summer – it is likely that Mateta could push for an exit.
Mateta compared to Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee
Manchester United are keen on Mateta, and it’s not hard to understand why.
Indeed, Mateta has been electric this season, and his stats put their current striking options to shame.
| Jean-Philippe Mateta | Rasmus Hojlund | Joshua Zirkzee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 22 | 27 | |
| Goals | 12 | 2 | 3 |
| Assists | 2 | 0 | 1 |
Manchester United have tried to find the next big thing when searching for a number nine, and now, it may be time for the Red Devils to buy a Premier League proven option.
United have had great success over the years when signing players who know how to score goals in the Premier League – Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham, Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney had all proven themselves at this level before coming to United.
Mateta could be just what the doctor ordered at Old Trafford this summer.
