Leeds United were prepared to invest big money in a striker in the summer transfer window. However, after missing out on a couple of top targets, the club signed Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer.
The former Everton striker has led the line well for Leeds this season, and his physical presence has been a problem for defenders. However, he has missed chances and has scored just once in the Premier League.
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Leeds are not prioritising signing a striker in the winter window when they will have limited funds to spend, and are more interested in bringing in an attacking midfielder and a winger in January.
However, they have continued to keep tabs on more striker options, and one of their top targets could become available soon, given his current contract situation.
Leeds United target Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future is under the scanner
Leeds are among the Premier League clubs who are keeping tabs on Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future at Crystal Palace and are said to be considering a January move.
However, Palace are unlikely to sell a striker who has scored five goals in nine league appearances in the middle of the season. However, a summer move could be on the cards.
Mateta will have a year left on his contract next summer, and former Premier League scout Mick Brown feels Palace will be tempted to sell the Frenchman if he doesn’t sign a new deal.
“There is a possibility Mateta could leave in the summer”, Brown told Football Insider.
“It’s going to take some judgment on Palace’s end to assess how they think the discussions are going, and then to plan accordingly.
“If it starts becoming clear that he’s not going to sign, they want to maximise the fee they’re going to get.
“I don’t think they’ll let it get to the same situation with Guehi, where if they don’t take the offer he’s going to leave on a free, they’ll sell him before that.
“So in the summer, I’m sure if he hasn’t signed a contract, Palace will be tempted by offers for him.
“Given his importance to the team, they could well be huge offers, and there are a number of clubs that need a striker and will be willing to pay big money to get one.
“Obviously, Palace don’t want to lose him, but they could end up in a situation where they have to.”
Mateta is a Premier League-proven striker
The Crystal Palace striker has been one of the best strikers in the Premier League over the last couple of seasons and has been deadly inside the penalty box.
He roared back into form recently with a hat-trick against Bournemouth, but his contract situation will keep several clubs, including Leeds, interested in him.
Mateta’s ability to finish off chances and be lethal in front of goal makes him a top target for several clubs looking for a striker in the market.
His game is similar to Calvert-Lewin, which is that he can provide a physical outlet. He allows the team to be more direct with their attacks.
However, the Frenchman is a better finisher than the former Everton striker and has been scoring more goals over the last couple of years.
If Leeds are still in the Premier League at the end of the season, they will look for an upgrade in the market. Mateta could be the ideal target for the Whites next summer.
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