‘Man United to reignite Jean-Philippe Mateta interest after Sesko, Jackson blows’
Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta could quickly rise to the top of Ruben Amorim’s shopping list as transfer uncertainty grows at Man United.
Despite a drop in form, being sidelined following a major incident against Millwall in the FA Cup, the 28-year-old has experienced a superb fifth season at Selhurst Park, notching 17 goals and four assists.
This follows on from his 19 goals and five assists from the previous campaign, and, unsurprisingly, this has seen several Premier League clubs take an interest in the striker’s signature this summer.
Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider last month that Man United were plotting a move for Mateta despite new contract talks being opened by Palace, with Liverpool also staking an interest.
However, all links appear to have run cold at Selhurst Park, which will be a huge relief for Oliver Glasner and Steve Parish, though supporters will be concerned about the lack of news surrounding his contract.
New blows emerge for Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford
Eberechi Eze, Adam Wharton, and Marc Guehi are all heavily linked with exits, and with Palace now demoted to the Europa Conference League by UEFA, their futures are even more uncertain.
The same goes for Mateta, and a late surge of interest could appear from both Newcastle United, who are likely to lose Alexander Isak this summer, and the Red Devils, who lack a solid centre-forward figure.
With voices going quiet at Selhurst Park, two main figures have appeared as major transfer targets for Amorim’s side, but it remains to be seen if either of them makes the move this summer.
Man United are unlikely to continue pursuing Nicolas Jackson due to Chelsea’s £80million asking price, Mick Brown told Football Insider, with attention turning to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Most updates about a move have been relatively positive, but with Sesko targeting an “elite” club in a £60m-plus move from the Bundesliga [The Athletic], that could rule the Red Devils out of the race already.
Man United to make late striker move
With those two massive blows for United, reigniting an interest in Frenchman, Mateta, is a sensible choice by Premier League clubs searching for an affordable striker, and that is Amorim’s side this summer.
Not only have talks appeared to have stalled over the forward’s contract extension, but uncertainty over the club’s position in Europe next season has thrown a huge spanner in the works for the Eagles.
Several stars at Selhurst Park could search for new homes over the coming weeks due to their FA Cup success being diminished, and few fans would be able to dislike them personally for the decision.
Man United are desperate for a new striker, and with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to impress at the Theatre of Dreams, Palace will be on standby in case the Red Devils make a late move.