Club’s main focus is on signing a midfielder but the striker is on their radar and a move is possible
Manchester United are monitoring the situation of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta as the player reaches the final year of his contract.
United are not actively searching for a new centre-forward in January, with their recruitment focus understood to be elsewhere. But Mateta, who has been a central figure in Oliver Glasner’s Palace side, is viewed internally as a potential option should he become available, particularly if contract talks at Selhurst Park fail to progress.
The 28-year-old’s current deal expires in 2027 and he has been on the radar of several clubs for some time. Palace rejected bids worth up to £50m from Champions League sides last summer, while Tottenham made a late enquiry before opting to sign Randal Kolo Muani on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.
Interest has also been reported from Atalanta, AC Milan and Juventus on the continent.
Palace’s negotiations over a new contract with Mateta have stalled, according to sources close to the situation. The player’s future may also be shaped by the position of manager Oliver Glasner, with the Austrian yet to commit his long-term future to the club. It has been rumoured that the head coach intends to depart in the summer and Mateta himself may decide to also call time at the club.
Meanwhile, the London club have already moved to strengthen their attacking options, agreeing a deal for Brennan Johnson from Tottenham to add depth in the final third.
United, for their part, are expected to prioritise the signing of a defensive midfielder in the summer, but they continue to track developments around Mateta. His form has ensured he remains in demand: he has scored eight goals in 19 starts this season, following campaigns of 17 goals in 46 games last term and 19 in 39 the season before.
United are seeking a return to the Champions League and Mateta has also previously made clear his ambition to play at the highest level in Europe.
“It’s natural, every ambitious player wants to reach that milestone,” said the Frenchman. “Especially when you arrive in the national team and around you, there are only players who play in the Champions League, who win the biggest trophies.
“When you play surrounded by the best players in the world, naturally, you want to reach that milestone.”
