Crystal Palace ‘pull out all the stops over Jean-Philippe Mateta’
Crystal Palace are prepared to do all they can to keep Jean-Philippe Mateta at the club despite growing interest in his signature.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 27-year-old has attracted interest from rival Premier League clubs.
However, Palace have no intention of letting him leave the club as he remains a crucial part of Oliver Glasner’s squad both on and off the pitch.
His current deal is set to run until 2026, and the Eagles are determined to tie him down for the foreseeable future after his improvement since Glasner’s arrival.
As well as his performances on the pitch, he also plays a valuable role in the dressing room, which Brown insists is just as valuable as his goalscoring performances.
Crystal Palace make Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer decision
Mateta has scored 13 goals in 28 appearances for Palace so far this season, including six in their last five games, and is continuing to prove his worth in South London.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the Eagles must “shift heaven and earth” to keep him beyond the end of the season.
“It would surprise me if Palace were willing to see him leave,” he told Football Insider.
“Based on the amount of goals he’s scored over a period of time and everything else he brings to their team, they have got to shift heaven and earth to secure his services.
“They can’t afford to lose him, and I don’t see any reason they would let him go.
“He’s very much a Crystal Palace player, he looks like he loves it there.
“It’s just as important to have that type of personality in the dressing room as it is to have him on the pitch doing what he does for them.
“So I’m not shocked there’s interest in him from other clubs, including some in the Premier League because he’s an excellent goalscorer and offers you plenty more than just that.
“But I expect Palace will be prepared to do all they can to keep him.
“They have no intention of letting him leave.”
Tottenham won’t give up in Marc Guehi race
Another Palace star who has been heavily linked with a move away from Selhurst Park in the summer is Marc Guehi, amid interest from the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool.
The Eagles turned down a late £70million offer for their captain as they had little time to find a replacement, after they lost Trevoh Chalobah after he was recalled by Chelsea.
However, they are expected to be more open to offers come the summer when Guehi will have just 12 months remaining on his Palace contract.
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