Crystal Palace ready to open Jean-Philippe Mateta talks - Transfer guru
Crystal Palace are planning to hold talks over a new contract for Jean-Philippe Mateta as a result of his recent performances under Oliver Glasner.
This 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 Palace aim to hold sit-down talks over the coming weeks.
The back-end of last season saw the 27-year-old excel in front of goal, with 13 of his 16 league goals coming following the Glasner's arrival.
While he has not been quite so prolific this time out, Mateta has established himself as a crucial member of Palace's starting XI and has featured in every game so far this season.
As a result, the club are keen to reward the forward for his hard work and increased presence in the team following their recent turnaround in form.
The Eagles have now lost just one of their last nine games in all competitions and are beginning to look up the table after a dismal start to the season.
Brown told Football Insider in October that Palace were unlikely to meet the Frenchman's contract demands after reports claimed he would demand a £100,000 per week deal.
Now, the former scout has reiterated that Palace will not give in to any unreasonable demands, but are keen to reach an agreement which works for all parties.
Crystal Palace to reward Jean-Philippe Mateta with new contract
Questions have been asked about Palace and Mateta's performances in the first half of the season after their fantastic displays last time out, but they are now showing a return to that form.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience dealing with players at the top level after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the Eagles are keen to tie the forward down to a new deal, but will keep their options open.
"I've heard they'd like to tie him down to a new deal," he told Football Insider.
"He had a purple patch towards the end of last season, and he's been performing to a good level again this season even if he isn't finding the net as often.
"Palace have had time to consider their options and what might happen if they decide not to renew his deal, in terms of potential alternatives.
"We saw that with the signing of Eddie Nketiah, but he's been outperformed by Mateta so far this season.
"From what I'm told, they'll sit down with him to reach an agreement which works best for both parties, probably in the next few weeks but if not, by the end of the season.
"As long as it's not overly demanding, there's a compromise that can be met because he is a player they'd like to keep at the club.
"At the same time, though, they'll be keeping their options open in case they decide to look for someone else if they can't reach an agreement."
In other news, Palace to agree permanent Odsonne Edouard move.
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