United are in the market for at least one forward player before transfer deadline day
Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace kicks a corner flag as he celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Crystal Palace FC at Old Trafford on February 02, 2025 in Manchester, England
Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace (Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Newcastle United have been urged to switch transfer targets in the final days of the summer window and make a move for Cystal Palace frontman Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Magpies are hopeful of bringing at least one striker to St James' Park before deadline day on September 1 as they look to address the gap in the squad left by Callum Wilson's departure and Alexander Isak's refusal to play for the club.
The Swedish frontman is not available for Eddie Howe as the tries to force a move to Liverpool, although United have yet to receive a suitable bid from any club for the 25-year-old.
It has left Newcastle short on firepower, with Anthony Gordon expected to lead the lead when Liverpool come to Tyneside for Monday night's eagerly-anticipated Premier League clash.
Newcastle have been linked with moves for several strikers and saw an offer worth £40m for Brentford's Yoane Wissa turned down this week.
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There is also reported interest in Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, while Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson remains an option, with the Senegal star available for around £60,
However, former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock feels a move for Mateta could be a better way to go for United. Palace are in the process of selling Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, while Marc Guehi's future remains uncertain amid interest from Liverpool.
Mateta scored 17 goals for Palace last season, and although he has just turned 28, Warnock has backed him to succeed should Newcastle be interested.
Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrates Crystal Palace's FA Cup success
Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrates Crystal Palace's FA Cup success
Speaking on The Sports Agents podcast, Warnock said: “I mean, Newcastle are at that stage at the moment that if they are to lose Isak, why wouldn't you look at Matata?
"He's one of the names that's not really been mentioned. A big thing with Mateta is his goals record is decent, and he's performed well, and he links up well, whereas Jackson is hugely frustrating, isn't he? The amount of times he gets caught offside.”
Newcastle have just over a week to get any deals over the line, with the transfer window closing on Monday, September 1 at 7pm.