Manchester United v Hong Kong
Ruben Amorim wants Man Utd to sign a new striker (Photo: Getty)
After missing out on Liam Delap, Manchester United have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of another Premier League striker.
United looked to be leading the race to sign Delap who caught the eye after scoring 12 goals in his first full top-flight season for relegated Ipswich Town.
However, the 22-year-old turned the Red Devils down and is now set to join Chelsea in a transfer worth £30million.
Ruben Amorim is desperate to sign a striker this summer to replace the underperforming Rasmus Hojlund, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres among those linked with Old Trafford.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is another name on their shortlist following a fantastic two seasons at Crystal Palace, which culminated with lifting the FA Cup in May.
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The Frenchman has been one of the Premier League’s top strikers following Oliver Glasner’s arrival at Selhurst Park last year, with only Alexander Isak, Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah scoring more since then.
United’s interest in Mateta was first reported in February, with Palace valuing him at over £50m and The Independent now report that the 27-year-old remains an ‘appealing’ target for the Red Devils.
Crystal Palace v Manchester City - Emirates FA Cup Final
Jean-Philippe Mateta helped Crystal Palace win the FA Cup in May – the club’s first major trophy (Photo: Getty)
But in a major blow for Amorim, they also report that Mateta wants to play in the Champions League, something United cannot offer after finishing 15th in the table and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham.
It is for the same reason that Delap has opted to join Chelsea, while Palace can give Mateta European football as their FA Cup triumph qualifies them for the Europa League.
And in a further blow to United, talkSPORT have reported that the striker might sign a new contract with the Eagles over the summer, with his current deal set to expire in 2027.
Jean-Philippe Mateta stats under Oliver Glasner
Appearances: 59
Goals: 30
Minutes per goal: 145
Assists: 5
Trophies: FA Cup
With their first European venture on the horizon, the south London side will be keen to sort out the futures of their star players and manager Glasner as soon as possible.
United are among the clubs linked with Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton, while Marc Guehi is expected to depart with Newcastle leading the race for his signature.
‘Man Utd need Mateta’
Speaking in February, Paul Merson insisted that Jean-Philippe Mateta would be a perfect striker for Manchester United.
‘Man United should get Mateta, that’s what they need,’ the ex-Arsenal and England winger told Sky Sports.
‘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.
‘He’s 100 times better than anyone Man United have in the front line. Not Amad [Diallo], he’s a young kid – but he’s much better than Hojlund and [Joshua] Zirkzee at the moment.’
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