Manchester United have been handed the chance to sign a long-term transfer target of theirs following a surprising U-turn
Michael Carrick
Manchester United have been presented with an intriguing transfer opportunity(Image: Getty Images)
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A huge and unexpected transfer opportunity has emerged for Manchester United following a dramatic end to the January transfer window. Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta watched his deadline day switch to AC Milan fall apart at the final hurdle after he failed a medical, reportedly because of a knee problem he'd been nursing.
Consequently, Mateta had no option but to return to Selhurst Park - although his position there has since grown increasingly uncertain. Palace had already secured a replacement, finalising a £48million move for Wolves attacker Jorgen Strand Larsen late on Monday, leaving Mateta's long-term role at the club in doubt.
This dramatic twist could create an opening for United, who have long been linked with the 28-year-old. With Palace now well supplied in forward areas, a potential summer switch to Old Trafford could suddenly become realistic - particularly in light of United's recent penchant for Premier League-proven players - including Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both of whom have made promising starts since joining the club in Manchester last year.
Mateta's deal in south London is set to expire in 2027 and, with talks over a new contract seemingly stalling, the Red Devils could look to secure his services at a cut price, especially if Palace are keen to avoid losing him on a free in just 17 months.
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Even so, breaking into United's starting line-up would be far from straightforward. The club splashed over £200m on attacking reinforcements last summer, including the arrival of Benjamin Sesko as their new marquee No. 9.
The Slovenia international has largely struggled to justify his £73m fee, but three goals across his last three outings suggest he may finally be hitting his stride. Should that upturn continue, Mateta could find opportunities limited - similar to the situation faced by Joshua Zirkzee, United's current second-choice centre-forward, over the past couple of seasons.
Mateta was notably absent from Palace's 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Sunday, with head coach Oliver Glasner revealing the striker was "not at his best" amid the uncertainty surrounding his future. It marked just the second Premier League fixture he has missed for the club since November 2023.
Jean-Philippe Mateta gestures
Jean-Philippe Mateta is stuck between a rock and a hard place after his move to AC Milan fell through(Image: PA)
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Not only is Mateta Palace’s leading scorer this term, having netted 10 times in 34 appearances, he has also topped their scoring charts in each of the last three seasons. That leaves Glasner facing a tough decision to make over who should spearhead the attack for the rest of the season - a decision United will undoubtedly be monitoring with interest.
After already pouring significant resources into strengthening their defence last season and revamping their forward line this year, United are widely expected to shift their focus toward midfield upgrades in the upcoming window.
Mateta's Crystal Palace team-mate Adam Wharton is one of several midfielders linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, alongside Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Brighton's Carlos Baleba.
This area is likely to command the bulk of United's transfer attention, but should the chance arise to secure a proven Premier League striker at a knock-down price, they may find it difficult to resist.
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