‘I’m told’ – Crystal Palace are progressing in contract talks with ‘important’ star
Crystal Palace have made positive progress in contract talks with Chris Richards as they aim to extend his stay at Selhurst Park long-term.
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 25-year-old is happy playing under Oliver Glasner and keen to extend his stay.
Richards‘ current contract is set to run until 2027 and the Eagles are determined to ensure he remains at the club due to his importance in Glasner’s side.
Getting their star players tied down to long-term deals have become a priority as Marc Guehi looks set to leave Crystal Palace for free, and they are keen to avoid a repeat scenario.
As a result, positive talks have been held with the U.S.A international who has been a revelation since stepping into the team following Trevoh Chalobah‘s exit.
Crystal Palace progressing in Chris Richards contract talks
Brown told Football Insider in September that Crystal Palace have held positive talks with Richards about extending his contract and plan to reach an agreement.
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 talks have progressed well and there is a growing confidence they will reach an agreement soon.
“Palace are determined to get their key players tied down,” he told Football Insider.
“Whether it’s Mateta, Richards, Wharton, whoever we might speak about on any given day, Palace want to ensure they are committed to the club long-term.
“The manager wants to keep his best players around, so they’ve been holding talks with a few players about potentially extending their deals.
“With Richards, I’m told things have been looking positive and I think it would be the best situation for all parties if they were to reach an agreement.
“He’s been excellent since coming into the side and has been an important part of the success Palace have had, especially winning the FA Cup last season.
“He looks happy there, he’s come on a lot under Glasner, so it should be a simple decision for him.
“Talks have gone well, so from a Palace point of view, I think they’re pretty confident that he is one they can get tied down sooner rather than later.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta contract talks stall
While Palace remain in positive talks with Richards, their attempts to extend Jean-Philippe Mateta‘s contract have been less successful due to a disagreement over wages.
The striker remains a crucial part of Glasner‘s plans for the future, but his contract is set to expire in 2027, and Palace could be forced to cash in if he doesn’t commit to new terms.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in October that Crystal Palace could accept offers for Mateta after struggling to make progress in ongoing contract talks.
Mateta was subject to a number of offers during the summer transfer window, with Tottenham, Liverpool and Atalanta all making moves throughout the window.
Liverpool held talks with Mateta’s representatives, while Tottenham saw a late enquiry dismissed, and Atalanta saw a £30million offer turned down.
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