Aston Villa in pole position to seal Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer as fresh Juventus issue emerges
Aston Villa are surely in the driving seat to secure a deal for Jean-Philippe Mateta before the upcoming 2 February transfer deadline.
The future of the Crystal Palace star has been uncertain in recent weeks, as things have quickly begun to unravel for the South London outfit after their FA Cup triumph last term.
Football Insider revealed at the end of December that Manchester United were eyeing a move for Mateta, but it is now Aston Villa who are showing the most desire to strike a deal.
The Frenchman has now outlined his desire to leave Selhurst Park before the end of the winter window, and Oliver Glasner and Co. already appear willing to facilitate a move for him.
Juventus turn their attention to alternative target
Football Insider revealed early in December that Crystal Palace may be forced to cash in on Mateta when he enters the final year of his contract next summer, but his desire to leave has now brought that forward.
Juventus and Aston Villa have now emerged as the pair of most likely suitors for the 29-year-old Palace star, with the Eagles also linked with a move to take Evann Guessand away from Villa Park.
Palace will not budge from their £35million valuation of Mateta, and that is seemingly causing serious problems for Juventus, who are planning to take a frontman on a loan-to-buy deal this month, according to Calcio Mercato.
That desire to avoid a significant January spend has seen them turn their attention towards Fenerbahce star Youssef En-Nesyri, with contact already initiated over a dry loan deal worth around £4.3m.
The issue surrounding Juventus’ interest has surely put Villa in pole position to secure a deal.
The Italian giants appear to have no way around their disagreement with Palace regarding the conditions of a potential transfer, and that leaves Villa in pole position to secure his signature.
Crystal Palace have already moved for Jean-Philippe Mateta replacement
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday that Crystal Palace have approached Derby for their striker Patrick Agyemang, and they are prepared to battle Leeds United for his services.
The American has seven goals and three assists in his debut campaign in English football, and that has seen the Championship side place a £20m valuation on him.
Plaace have been prudent with their business in the second tier in recent years, with the likes of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise both plucked from the EFL, and they may now be about to repeat the trick with Agyemang.
The Derby star has made an excellent start to life in English football, and Palace already appear to have identified him as one of their ideal candidates to come in and replace Mateta.