Man United, Ruben Amorim, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Crystal Palace
(Credit: Imago)
Mick Brown
Sun 22 June 2025 15:34, UK
Man United have been dealt a new blow in their pursuit of Jean-Philippe Mateta as Crystal Palace are advancing in talks over a new contract.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Palace are “confident” of agreeing terms with the 27-year-old.
The French striker’s current contract is set to run until 2027, but Palace are keen to commit his long-term future to the club as a crucial part of Oliver Glasner’s plans.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that United are keeping tabs on Mateta’s contract situation with a potential transfer swoop in mind.
However, the Eagles are not fearful of losing their star striker during the summer window and believe he will put pen to paper on a new deal.
Brown first told Football Insider in December that Palace were planning to hold talks with Mateta over a new contract to deter rival interest.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace are holding contract talks with Jean-Philippe Mateta. (Credit: Imago)
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Man United to miss out on Mateta after Crystal Palace talks
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.
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 that Mateta is happy at Selhurst Park and his contract talks are progressing well.
“I’d be surprised if Mateta joined Man United now,” he told Football Insider.
“Palace have been trying to negotiate a new contract and they’re making good progress with it.
“I think I’ve said before, but from what I hear he’s happy at Palace.
“If he was going to leave, I think it would have to be for a club who are competing in the Champions League, basically an offer he couldn’t refuse.
“I’m not sure they’ve ever been overly concerned about the interest in him.
“Palace look like they’ll be playing in the Europa League and he’s very much a part of Glasner’s plans, so there’s no reason for him to go anywhere else.
“Especially not Manchester United, because at the moment Palace are the better option.
“So from what I hear, Palace are confident they can tie him down to a new contract.
“That will put all of the talk about his future aside and allow them to concentrate elsewhere.”
Ruben Amorim Manchester United
Ruben Amorim is aiming to sign a new striker. (Credit: Imago)
Viktor Gyokeres update emerges at Old Trafford
Mateta may not be the only number nine Man United miss out on this summer amid speculation surrounding their pursuit of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.
Brown told Football Insider on 21 June that Man United are working on signing alternative strikers after missing out on Gyokeres after he made it clear he does not wish to join.
Despite that, Ruben Amorim remains determined to land a new number nine despite having missed out on his top target, and United are willing to spend big.
Football Insider revealed on 13 June that Gyokeres is the dream target for Man United and have been working hard to reach an agreement over the move.
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