Aston Villa told Jean-Philippe Mateta offer could be accepted by Crystal Palace
Aston Villa have been told a £25million bid could be enough to land Jean-Philippe Mateta, sources have told Football Insider.
Unai Emery's side have already seen one offer for the 29-year-old rejected by Crystal Palace, but there is a growing feeling they could now return with an improved offer.
The France international is believed to be keen on a move away from Selhurst Park before the 1 September deadline, and Palace may be under pressure to sell.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Inisder podcast, an improved bid from Aston Villa could be enough to lure Mateta away from Selhurst Park.
Villa are stepping up their pursuit of a new striker as they expect both Ollie Watkins and Tammy Abraham to leave the club before deadline day, leaving them with little depth.
Despite having completed the signing of Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea, they remain keen on Mateta, and hope to land a deal for the Crystal Palace star in the near future.
Could Aston Villa make a new bid for Jean-Philippe Mateta?
Football Insider revealed on 28 August that Aston Villa are preparing to make a second bid for Mateta, as they aim to accelerate plans to strengthen their squad.
Despite their decision to reject an initial offer for the France international, Crystal Palace could be tempted by an improved bid, and Aston Villa could test their resolve.
A fee of around £25million is expected to be enough, altough at this stage of the window, Palace may become increasingly reluctant to see an important player leave.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Obviously, Aston Villa have had an offer rejected which didn't meet Palace's valuation of Mateta.
"If Villa do make a higher offer for him, if they get to around that £25million mark, Crystal Palace could be tempted to maybe cash in a Mateta.
"I think as things stand right now, they want to keep hold of him because they know it'll be quite expensive to replace him, but if the right offer comes in, they might be tempted.
"But unless Villa come up with a big offer which is too good to turn down they won't be letting him leave."
What is Crystal Palace's asking price for Mateta?
Crystal Palace have been clear all summer that it would take a significant fee to prise Mateta away, given his importance to their new-look side under Pierre Sage.
Football Insider first revealed on 25 August that Crystal Palace have placed a £25million price tag on Mateta, but do not feel under pressure to sell this summer.
AC Milan were willing to part with a fee of around £25million for the striker before his mid-season move fell through, and Palace are using that fee as the benchmark.
The Eagles are also content to allow the striker to run down his contract and leave on a free transfer next summer, in exchange for another year of him leading the line.
However, that eventuality is becoming increasingly unlikely in the late stages of the summer transfer window, with the France international pushing for a move away.