‘Jean-Philippe Mateta is happy at Crystal Palace amid new contract update’
Jean-Philippe is believed to be happy at Crystal Palace despite speculation linking him with a move away from Selhurst Park this summer.
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 Palace are determined to keep the 27-year-old beyond the end of the season.
The Eagles feel they will also be boosted in talks if they can win the FA Cup and qualify for the Europa League ahead of the final on 17 May.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in February that Palace plan to hold contract talks with Mateta at the end of the season, with a “big pay rise” on the cards.
However, the likes of Arsenal, Man United, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are all keeping a close eye on his situation and could make a move.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider that Palace want to sign Emanuel Emegha from Strasbourg if Mateta leaves the club this summer.
Crystal Palace make Jean-Philippe Mateta exit decision
Brown told Football Insider in March that Palace will do everything to keep Mateta at the club this summer and will demand a minimum of £40million for his services.
The former scout, who has wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, explained that a “big new contract” could be on the table in the summer.
“Palace have got some very good assets at the club,” he told Football Insider.
“So they’re going to work as hard as possible to keep them.
“Unless somebody is going to pay a silly fee which is well above what they would usually get, then they don’t want to let them go.
“Mateta has been outstanding for them since Oliver Glasner came in and has done better than anybody thought he would do.
“And from what I hear, he’s a great character and personality to have around, he enjoys playing for Palace and he’s very happy there.
“So from that point of view, why would they let him go and why would he want to?
“Especially if they can win the cup final, they’ll prove they can win things and it means they’ll playing in Europe next year which is another boost.
“I think they’re going to everything possible to keep him.
“If that means giving him a big new contract, then that’s what they’ll do.“
Oliver Glasner eyes Joe Willock swoop after Newcastle latest
As well as their ambitious plans to keep their best players at the club beyond the end of the season, Palace are also aiming to strengthen Oliver Glasner’s squad.
Brown told Football Insider on 13 May that Palace want to sign Newcastle star Joe Willock this summer as scouts have been watching him at St James’ Park.
Willock, meanwhile, is believed to be open to a move away from the North East as he is unlikely to cement his place in the starting XI.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Newcastle plan to keep Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton as their starting midfield trio under Eddie Howe.
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