Jean-Philipe-Mateta-Manchester United
(Credit Hasan Karin, Breaking Media)
Mick Brown
Thu 12 June 2025 9:22, UK
Man United are keeping a close eye on Jean-Philippe Mateta’s contract situation at Crystal Palace, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who spent over a decade at Old Trafford during the club’s most successful period and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that the 27-year-old is on United’s list of striker targets this summer.
Palace are believed to have opened fresh talks with the Frenchman, whose current contract is set to expire in 2027, as he remains a crucial part of Oliver Glasner’s plans.
Brown told Football Insider in 20 May that Palace have been boosted in contract talks with the likes of Mateta and Glasner after their FA Cup success.
However, if talks to not progress at planned, Ruben Amorim’s side are considering swooping in to land his signature, particularly if they fail to land other top targets.
The Eagles are also believed to have begun putting plans in place in case they lose Mateta, as Brown told Football Insider Crystal Palace are closely watching Emanuel Emegha.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta is a target for Man United. (Credit: Imago)
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Man United are eyeing a swoop for Jean-Philippe Mateta
Brown told Football Insider on 21 February that Palace plan to deter United’s interest in Mateta with a lofty asking price in this summer’s transfer window.
However, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted the Eagles could struggle to keep him if contract talks fall through.
“*Crystal Palace are talking to Mateta about signing a new contract,*” he told Football Insider.
“At the moment, it’s definitely more likely he’ll stay at Palace rather than going anywhere else.
“He’s a big player for them and a big part of the manager’s plans to keep building his squad.
“He is one Man United have been looking at, one of a few I might add, and I’m sure they’ll be keeping a close eye on the situation there.
“They have other targets who I expect they’ll put ahead of Mateta, but if they can’t get somebody else over the line, he has been spoken about.
*“If for whatever reason Palace can’t agree a deal, it might give United the chance to make a move.*“
Ruben Amorim Man United
Ruben Amorim is aiming to bolster his Man United squad. (Credit: Imago)
Jadon Sancho transfer update emerges at Old Trafford
Incoming deals are not the only focus at Old Trafford this summer, as Amorim plans to clear out the dead wood from his squad to make space.
Brown told Football Insider on 10 June that Man United will accept offers for Jadon Sancho with a move to the Saudi Pro League most likely as things stand.
This comes after former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Sancho is one of five players at United who will be moved on to balance the books.
While a number of European sides have been keeping tabs on his situation, his “staggering” wage demands have so far put them off of a move.
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