Manchester United in the race to sign Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta

Manchester United are interested in Crystal Palace centre-forward Jean-Philippe Mateta (27), according to L’Equipe. The French centre-forward will enter his final contract year with Oliver Glasner’s Eagles. Mateta joined Crystal Palace from Bundesliga side Mainz in 2022. The former Lyon striker has logged 17 goals and four assists in 45 games played in all competitions this season.

Given his contractual situation, several clubs intend to test the waters, and one of them are Manchester United. The Red Devils intend to sign several attacking players to inject fresh blood up front. Wolves’ Matheus Cunha is already set to join Old Trafford. Manchester United also enquire about Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres and Napoli loanee Victor Osimhen.

As for Mateta, the 27-year-old reportedly dreams of playing the 2026 World Cup with France, but he is yet to receive a call-up from Didier Deschamps. The Crystal Palace forward featured for France’s Olympic team in the 2024 Paris Summer Games.

Mateta is aware that his choice will have implications for his chances of wearing the France jersey. The 27-year-old intends to bid his time and see which teams will make their interest known in the coming weeks. A return to Ligue 1 football is not ruled out, L’Equipe reports.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval

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