Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta ahead of the summer transfer window
Manchester United are eyeing a summer move for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to reports in France.
The 27-year-old striker signed for the London club from Mainz in January 2022 and his current deal runs until the summer of 2027. Over the last three years, Mateta has made just shy of 140 appearances across all competitions and has scored 44 goals in that time.
According to French outlet L’Equipe, United have already opened talks with Palace over a potential move in the upcoming summer transfer window.
It has been suggested adding a proven Premier League goalscorer could be what is needed to kickstart Ruben Amorim’s tenure.
United’s struggles in front of goal is just one of a number of problems the Manchester club face under the Portuguese coach. As things stand, the Red Devils are 14th in the league standings and 14 points adrift from the top four.
Currently, United are relying on Rasmus Hojlund, who was signed back in the summer of 2023. Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee was brought in from Italian side Bologna last year, but the pair have scored just five goals between them in the Premier League this term.
Reports indicate it would take a fee in the region of £40 million for Palace to consider a sale this summer, which is only slightly higher than the figure paid for Zirkzee last year.
However, Mateta is currently sidelined due to injury following a nasty collision with Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts during their FA Cup fifth round meeting last week.
In a statement following the incident, Palace said: “We are very pleased to confirm that JP Mateta has this evening been discharged from St George’s Hospital where he received specialist treatment and 25 stitches to a severe laceration to his left ear. All scans were clear and JP is feeling well.
“He will now rest and recuperate over the following days where his progress will be monitored by our club doctor.”
