Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrates with his Crystal Palace teammates (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Manchester United are one of the clubs most interested in a potential move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The France international flourished for Palace, but as I first reported in the Daily Briefing, he is now seen as unlikely to be open to talks over a new contract, warning the likes of Manchester United.
The Red Devils, along with Newcastle and Tottenham, are keen on Mateta, who won a silver medal with Palace and earned a place in the France squad.
United could buy such a top striker to replace the underperforming Benjamin Sesco, and he would also certainly be a good fit at a club like Newcastle or Spurs.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s transfer situation explained
My sources say Palace were at one point trying to lock Mateta into a new deal, but the current feeling is that Mateta wants to leave and is unlikely to engage in further negotiations.
This would make the 28-year-old available for around £40m, with the possibility of a move in January.
“Palace had been hoping to sign him to a new deal, but there is now a growing recognition that the player is unlikely to be open to further negotiations,” a source said.
“Mateta is definitely a player to keep an eye on. With a new contract looking unlikely, they may feel now is a good time to make some money. I wouldn’t be surprised if a deal goes through for £40m,” another player told me.
Where next for Jean-Philippe Mateta?
Mateta probably wants to play in Europe and that could be a problem for United, but it is also true that MUFC still have the ability to lure big names, as we saw when they raided Premier League clubs to sign Brian Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in the summer.
However, Mateta could also consider Tottenham. Lacking the impact of other North London strikers, he could certainly earn a key role in Thomas Frank’s side.
Newcastle also need a replacement for Alexander Isak and could be a good option as they may already feel they need an upgrade on the injury-prone Yoan Wissa.