Aston Villa turn attention to Jean-Philippe Mateta after Crystal Palace decision

Aston Villa are considering making a second offer to sign Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta, sources have told Football Insider.

Unai Emery's side made an offer for the 29-year-old earlier this week as they aim to bolster their squad in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

Villa are bracing to lose both Ollie Watkins and Tammy Abraham in the coming days, and are stepping up their plans to land a replacement.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Aston Villa are still very keen on Mateta and could push forward in talks to get a deal done.

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.

Mateta has just one year remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park, putting Pierre Sage's side in a difficult position with regard to his long-term future.

Could Aston Villa make a new offer for Jean-Philippe Mateta?

Football Insider revealed at the start of the summer window that Crystal Palace could accept new offers for Mateta in a last-ditch attempt to raise money from his sale.

Given his contract situation, and ongoing reports about his unhappiness in South London, there is a growing feeling that a new offer could tempt them to let him go.

Aston Villa are now weighing up whether to return with a fresh bid, as they remain keen to bring in a new striker and Mateta has been a long-term target.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "You can't rule out that Aston Villa will make another offer for Jean-Philippe Mateta this summer.

"Obviously they've had an offer rejected which didn't meet Crystal Palace's valuation of Mateta.

"But look, Mateta is now into the final year of his contract so Palace need to weigh up whether it's more valuable for them to keep him or is it more valuable for them to let him go.

"So Aston Villa are weighing up whether or not to return with a new offer for the striker, who they have been long-term admirers of.

"If they do make a new offer for Mateta, there is a chance that Crystal Palace will be more open to letting him go."

What is Crystal Palace's asking price for Mateta?

Aston Villa's first offer for Mateta fell some way short of Crystal Palace's asking price and was dismissed out of hand, but they are prepared to move closer with a new bid.

Crystal Palace have not been keen to lose their star striker, as he remains part of their plans for the new season, and have placed a lofty price tag on him as a result.

Football Insider revealed on 25 August that Crystal Palace are demanding a fee of around £25million to sell Mateta and are prepared to hold out for their asking price.

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.

This has placed them in a strong position to negotiate Mateta's future, as they do not fear clubs walking away from the deal if they will not match their lofty demands.