Crystal Palace plan to accept new Jean-Philippe Mateta offer, 'decent fee' expected
Crystal Palace are planning to accept new offers for Jean-Philippe Mateta in a last-ditch attempt to raise money from his departure.
The 28-year-old, who has gone to the World Cup as part of Didier Deschamps' France squad, has just one year remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park.
He has already turned down multiple offers of new contracts at Palace over the last 12 months and it now looks inevitable he will be allowed to leave this summer.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Crystal Palace are open to offers for Mateta and hope they can secure a "decent fee" for him.
The striker scored the goal to win Crystal Palace the Conference League last time out, writing his name into legend in South London, but could now move on.
He looked set to join AC Milan in the summer before the move fell through, but six months later, he could finally complete a move away from Selhurst Park.
Could Crystal Palace accept new offers for Jean-Philippe Mateta?
Football Insider revealed in April that Crystal Palace will accept offers for Mateta, and the France forward could be allowed to leave for a cut-price fee.
There had been suggestions that the Eagles could attempt to convince him to stay after winning three trophies in two seasons, but that is now considered unlikely.
Instead, Palace hope to raise funds from the striker's sale which will then be reinvested to strengthen their squad ahead of a Europa League campaign.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "He's a proven Premier League goalscorer, Mateta, he's shown that over a number of years with Crystal Palace.
"But he is into the final year of his contract at Palace, and this is probably Palace's last real chance to get any decent money for the Frenchman.
"They won't want to lose him on a free transfer next summer, and it looks like he's not going to sign a new contract to extend his stay, so they're going to have to cash in now.
"So if he is available for a decent fee I'm sure there'll be a number of clubs in the Premier League and across Europe who would be keen on signing Mateta this summer."
Which clubs are interested in signing Mateta?
Amid a growing feeling that Mateta will leave Selhurst Park this summer, a number of clubs both in the Premier League and across Europe have been placed on high alert.
Sources say he would prefer a move to Italy, having always been keen to play in Serie A, while his mid-season move to AC Milan broke down due to injury concerns.
However, Football Insider revealed on 12 June that Newcastle are keeping tabs on Mateta's situation and could reignite their long-term interest in the striker.
The Magpies are keen to strengthen up front with the addition of a proven goalscorer, and Mateta's Premier League experience has placed him on their radar.
There is also other Premier League interest from Nottingham Forest, but with AC Milan still believed to be keen, the Rosoneri are still considered the favourites.