Crystal Palace 'to open Jean-Philippe Mateta talks imminently'

Crystal Palace are set to hold talks over new contract for Jean-Philippe Mateta as a reward for his performances so far this season.

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 the 27-year-old has been a positive influence both on and off the pitch.

As things stand, his contract is set to run until 2026, and Palace are looking to extend his stay with the offer of a long-term deal.

Football Insider revealed in August that Aston Villa made contact with Palace about a move for the Frenchman, but were told he is not for sale.

Now, the Eagles are keen to ensure Mateta's future is secure at Selhurst Park and deter any lingering interest from the likes of Villa as clubs are closely monitoring his situation.

Since the arrival of Oliver Glasner last season, he has established himself as a crucial part of the team, and he has now scored 11 goals in 26 appearances this term.

Following a 2-0 win away at West Ham, the manager was hugely complimentary of his forward as he shared: "He gets the penalty and scores the goal, but he is also hard-working. He's a lovely guy and always so happy in the dressing room."

Crystal Palace plan Jean-Philippe Mateta contract offer

Brown previously told Football Insider that Palace were reluctant to meet Mateta's rumoured £100,000 weekly wage demand and would only reach an agreement which worked for them.

Now, 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, has suggested they could come closer to that fee as a result of his performances this season.

"I think Palace will be more willing to entertain his demands," he told Football Insider.

"They have to consider where they would go to get a better option, and how much that would cost.

"They could structure a deal with goalscoring bonuses and other incentives, if they feel they can't match the wages he's asking for.

"But I would expect them to sit down in the next few weeks, before the end of the season certainly, and get a new contract sorted out for him.

"They want him to commit his long-term future to the club, and to show their faith in him as well.

"Mateta has done brilliantly for them, and much better than many would have expected.

"I always have to credit people like that, who work hard to prove doubters wrong.

"Palace have been brilliant, and that always goes some way to convincing players to stay.

"If they're playing well, getting results, there's a clear project and plan for the future, and they're getting the best out of their players, why would you not want to stay?"

In other news, Championship clubs line up moves to sign Jeffrey Schlupp.

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