Manchester United have been handed fresh encouragement in their pursuit of Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the Crystal Palace striker increasingly expected to leave Selhurst Park during the January transfer window.
United have been tracking the 29-year-old for several months and their need for another centre-forward has become more urgent because of Benjamin Šeško’s injury problems.
Mateta’s Premier League experience and contract situation could make him one of the more realistic options available midway through the season.
Mateta is pushing towards January exit
According to TEAMtalk, Mateta is increasingly likely to leave Crystal Palace in January, with his representatives working to secure a suitable move.
Man United remain firmly interested, although Nottingham Forest, Everton and clubs elsewhere in Europe are also monitoring his situation. Importantly for United, Mateta is understood to favour remaining in the Premier League.
United’s interest is long-standing. Jason Wilcox reportedly views Mateta’s Premier League experience and proven scoring record as particularly valuable, while the striker is also believed to be open to an Old Trafford move.
Mateta has scored double figures in each of his last three Premier League seasons, making him far less of an adaptation risk than several younger alternatives.
CaughtOffside reported recently that Mateta is one of four forwards on United’s shortlist alongside Nicolò Tresoldi, Igor Matanovic and Dion Beljo.
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Mateta may be the most sensible solution for Man United
Jean-Philippe Mateta in the pre-match warm-up with Crystal Palace (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
For Man United, Mateta makes a lot of sense.
Šeško remains the long-term No.9, so spending another enormous fee on a young striker could create an unnecessary problem once he returns.
Mateta offers something different. He is physically strong, understands Premier…
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