Newcastle plotting to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eddie Howe’s transfer plan revealed
Newcastle United have set their sights on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta as they aim to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad this summer.
Mateta was pushing to leave Selhurst Park during the mid-season window, but ultimately missed out on a move to AC Milan after failing a medical.
The 28-year-old is expected to be available again in the summer, placing a number of clubs both in Europe and the Premier League on high alert.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the France international ticks a number of boxes for Newcastle in their search for a striker.
Howe is keen to recruit players with Premier League experience, and Mateta’s goalscoring record in England’s top tier has placed him firmly on their radar.
- Read more: Man United are interested in signing Mateta.
Newcastle set sights on Jean-Philippe Mateta deal
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 12 February that Newcastle will prioritise signing a new striker, as they are unhappy with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.
Mateta has emerged high on their list of targets to strengthen in that position, with his availability and proven track record impressing the Magpies’ scouts.
“Mateta is definitely on their radar at Newcastle,” Brown told Football Insider.
“It looks like he’s going to be available, Palace are willing to let him go, and there are a lot of clubs who are going to be sitting up and taking notice.
“He’s shown at Palace for a couple of years now that he can perform and score goals in the Premier League, his track record proves how good he’s been.
“He’s a France international as well, so where are they going to go to get a striker of that ilk? Especially one who is available and knows the league.
“That’s always something Newcastle look at, Eddie Howe likes to sign players who are proven in the Premier League to reduce the time it takes for them to adapt.
“Newcastle want to sign a new striker, a goalscorer, because the options they’ve got at the moment haven’t been consistent enough and have struggled.
“I don’t think Mateta is a perfect forward, there are a few concerns I have around him, but the scouting team at Newcastle will weigh up the pros and cons.”
What’s next for Mateta at Crystal Palace?
After missing out on his move away from Selhurst Park in the mid-season window, Mateta has work to do to get back into the good graces of those at Crystal Palace.
Brown told Football Insider on 15 February that Mateta is still part of Oliver Glasner’s plans and will return to the first-team squad rather than being banished.
That is despite him having refused to play in their 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest, while there have also been suggestions he was not taking part in training.
Glasner has since confirmed the striker will not undergo surgery on a knee issue, and will miss a short period before returning to the fold.
Mateta was also named in the Eagles’ Conference League squad for the second half of the season, indicating that he still has a role to play under Glasner.
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