Manchester United continue to be linked with a number of strikers ahead of the summer transfer window and Jean-Philippe Mateta is the latest reported target for Amorim's side
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Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrates scoring for Crystal Palace
Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrates scoring for Crystal Palace
(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and could make a surprise swoop for his services this summer.
The Sun claims United are monitoring the Eagles striker as one of a number of transfer options to bolster Ruben Amorim's forward line after the Reds boss admitted his side were lacking in fire power.
Speaking to reporters after the FA Cup defeat to Fulham, Amorim said: "Anything can happen in the next games. We need to see the opposition, feel the moment of the player physically in this moment with a lot of games.
"We play Thursday-Sunday and anything can happen. I will choose the best players to win the next match. We have a problem with goals.
"Today we created situations but even in the last games sometimes you feel on set pieces we are going to make some danger. So the first step is to create situations. Today we create but we have to improve that to help our forwards and strikers to score."
United have been repeatedly linked with Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres since Amorim's arrival at Old Trafford, with the report claiming the Swedish striker is top of their transfer wishlist. Despite the 26-year-old - who has scored a remarkable 37 goals in 39 appearances so far this season - being keen on a reunion with Amorim, the former Coventry City striker is said to be pushing for a move to a club in the Champions League.
If true, that would be a major blow for United who are some way off the Premier League's top-four having endured a dismal domestic campaign, with the Europa League their only remaining opportunity of securing Champions League football. The Reds know they have to win the competition if they want to battle it out with Europe's elite clubs next season and stand a chance of signing Gyokeres.
Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta
Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
The report claims it's Gyokeres' stance that has led to United casting their net wider in an attempt to sign a striker in the summer, with scouts in attendance at Palace's FA Cup clash with Millwall, where the French striker Mateta was karate kicked by Lions' goalkeeper Liam Roberts.
Mateta was rushed to hospital and received 25 stitches in a gruesome head wound, bringing an end to the rich vein of form he's been in since the turn of the year. The 27-year-old has scored eight goals in as many Premier League games, including a brace in the Eagles 2-0 win at Old Trafford last month.
The report also adds that the striker would be open to a move to Old Trafford, with United scouts viewing his mobility as a positive fit for Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 formation.