Man United have reportedly identified Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta as a transfer target for the summer window.
The Red Devils are in need of striker help as their current options, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, have combined for just five Premier League goals this season.
United have just one competition left to play for this season under Ruben Amorim as they will battle it out for the Europa League. They drew 1-1 in their round of 16 first leg against Real Sociedad, and are in a solid position for the second leg at Old Trafford next week.
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However, the attacking play has been poor this season under Amorim, and Man United have failed to take their chances on too frequent an occasion.
They have been linked to signing Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, who previously played under Amorim. However, he has a hefty release clause of £83 million, and would be a difficult signing to make amid Profit and Sustainability rules. He has also been linked to rivals Arsenal.
On loan Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but he isn’t expected to be cheap either. A figure of around £65m-£70m is understood to be his price.
Man United want Palace star Mateta
However, as these two targets are set to command a large price tag, Man United have reportedly identified a cheaper alternative from the Premier League.
According to the Sun, Man United see Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta as a transfer target, and have reportedly sent scouts to watch him in his last three games for the Eagles.
Mateta has been on fire since the new year, he’s netted a total of 12 goals in 27 Premier League games for Oliver Glasner’s side, and embodies the description of a pure number nine striker.
The report says that United see signing a striker as a “priority”, but opting for Mateta rather than one of the other too would free up some funds to spend on other positions too.
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