Joshua Zirkzee could open door for Man United to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta
Manchester United will only make a move for Jean-Philippe Mateta in January if they lose another forward, sources have told Football Insider.
The 29-year-old is believed to be on Man United's list of attacking targets as they aim to strengthen their squad by adding depth behind first-choice striker Benjamin Sesko.
Signing a new striker, though, is not believed to be a priority ahead of the January transfer window given the number of options who can play there in a makeshift role.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Man United could look to sell Joshua Zirkzee and open up space for a new addition.
Zirkzee has long been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, but has remained at the club despite doubts about his place in Michael Carrick's plans.
A number of clubs across European football remain interested in the Netherlands international, and United could now let him go, with Mateta eyed as his replacement.
Could Man United replace Joshua Zirkzee in January?
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in August that Zirkzee could have been allowed to leave Old Trafford as he is not part of Carrick's long-term plans.
The 25-year-old has made just four appearances so far this season and has failed to make a single start, leading to concerns about squad depth and plans for potential new additions.
While Mateta continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford, any deal will depend on Zirkzee's future, and cashing in on the Netherlands international could open the door.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Man United have had a long-standing interest in signing Jean-Philippe Mateta.
"A lot will depend on their own situation, because obviously they have got Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee as their attacking options at the moment who can lead the line.
"So it doesn't look like signing a new striker is going to be a priority at the moment, but if one of those players was to leave, it could open the door to a move for Mateta.
"Say Joshua Zirkzee was to leave the club in January, that could force Man United into the market to sign a new striker, and Mateta's his future at Palace is uncertain right now."
How do Crystal Palace feel about selling Jean-Philippe Mateta?
Man United are far from the only club to be linked with a move for Mateta in recent months, with the striker now into the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.
A number of clubs in the Premier League and across Europe have been keeping a close eye on his situation, and the Eagles could open the door to offers in January.
Football Insider revealed on 2 October that Crystal Palace are resigned to losing Mateta in 2027, and could be tempted to cash in when the mid-season window opens.
However, the Eagles are also content to allow the striker to run down his contract and leave on a free next summer, in exchange for another year of him leading the line.
Crystal Palace opted to block Mateta's exit during the summer as they view him as part of their plans despite his contract situation, but that could change with months left on his deal.