Crystal Palace ‘to hold sit-down Jean-Philippe Mateta talks’
Crystal Palace are planning to hold sit-down talks with Jean-Philippe Mateta over the offer of a new contract in the coming weeks.
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 contract talks have become a priority at Selhurst Park.
Following the closure of the January transfer window, the Eagles will now switch their focus to renewing the striker’s deal, with a “big pay-rise” mooted.
Mateta, 27, has scored 13 goals in 28 games for Palace so far this season including six in their last five games, and has once again proved to be a crucial player under Oliver Glasner.
It is that goalscoring form, coupled with his excellent all-round performances, which have made the Eagles willing “to move heaven and earth” to keep him in South London.
Despite a slow start to the season, Glasner’s side have lost just two of their last 13 Premier League games and view their striker as a crucial reason for that form.
As things stand, his contract is set to run until 2026, and the Palace hierarchy are determined to see him commit his long-term future to the club.
Crystal Palace set for Jean-Philippe Mateta contract talks
The former scout, 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 striker is happy at Palace and would welcome a renewed deal.
“Getting him ties down has to be a priority for them,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s a very very important player for Crystal Palace, and it would cost and absolute arm and a leg to go out and find a replacement for him in the market.
“Based on the way he’s played and the goals he’s scored, I think they’ll be prepared to shift heaven and earth to secure his services.
“So that’s something they’re going to have to sit down and talk about wit him in the near future.
“Even if it takes a big pay-rise, I think he’s earned that with the way he’s played.
“Now that the transfer window has closed, it gives them a chance to focus their efforts on getting key players tied down to new contracts.
“And from what I hear and what I’ve seen, he’s happy at Palace, so I don’t think there will be any issues on that front.”
In other news, Tottenham ‘haven’t given up on signing Marc Guehi’.
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