Manchester United have been linked with a move for the Crystal Palace man.placeholder image
Manchester United have been linked with a move for the Crystal Palace man. | Manchester United via Getty Imag
Manchester United will be dealt a fatal transfer blow should Crystal Palace succeed with their contract talks.
The Frenchman was prolific for the Eagles last time out, scoring 17 goals across all competitions. That goal scoring tally is known to have turned the heads of rival clubs.
One of those is widely reported to be Manchester United. The Red Devils are known to be in the market for a new talisman with Rasmus Hojlund struggling to lead the line.
Manchester United linked with Mateta transfer
Even back during the winter window, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson had made it clear that Manchester United should be targeting Mateta. Speaking on Deadline Day, he said: “Man United should get Mateta, that’s what they need.
“He’s a strong lad up front, playing at the top of his game, he leads the line, scoring goals now. He runs and works his socks off harder than anyone you know. But they won’t because he plays for Palace. And everyone would go: “what are you buying him for?”
“But he’s 100 times better than anyone Man Utd have in the front line. Not Amad, he’s a young kid – but he’s much better than Hojlund and Zirkzee at the moment. And Man Utd are playing Mainoo up front. If you’re one of those two centre forwards, I would say: I might as well go out on loan and play for Exeter this month.”
Crystal Palace contract talks update
Football Insider continues to carry reports of Manchester United interest but the latest from ex Red Devils scout Mick Brown could be good news for the Eagles, who won't want to lose their goal scorer ahead of playing Europa League football next term - so long as their Uefa appeal over John Textor’s shape is approved.
Brown has confirmed that Crystal Palace have opened contract talks and that, should those be productive, the Red Devils will have to give up their chase. Crystal Palace remain confident of doing that but are also planning for a world where they do see Mateta leave Selhurst Park, according to Brown.
He said: "Crystal Palace are talking to Mateta about signing a new contract. 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.”
In other news, Crystal Palace set to land Nottingham Forest blow thanks to £7bn ex Chelsea bidder.
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