Newcastle plot move to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta after two major sales
Newcastle United have identified Jean-Philippe Mateta as a target as they prepare to sell both Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa this summer.
The 28-year-old has been outstanding for Crystal Palace and scored the winning goal in their Conference League final clash against Rayo Vallecano last month.
His performances and proven goalscoring abilities in the Premier League have placed him firmly on Newcastle's radar, with Eddie Howe keen to strengthen up front.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Newcastle have been long-term admirers of Mateta and could now make a move.
While any deal will likely depend on sales given the number of strikers already available to Howe, plans are being put in place to allow them to move on.
However, there are concerns about whether Mateta is the one they want, with other targets also being considered by the Magpies' recruitment team.
Could Newcastle make a move for Jean-Philippe Mateta?
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in April that Newcastle are keeping tabs on Mateta and could make a move in the summer window.
The France international has been selected as part of Didier Deschamps' World Cup squad and is set to be watched closely on the biggest stage.
He is now widely expected to leave Crystal Palace after a late move to AC Milan fell through in January, and Newcastle are among those eyeing the possibility.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Look, he's a proven Premier League goalscorer, Mateta, and he's shown that with Crystal Palace.
"We fully expect Newcastle to try and bring in at least one new forward this summer, because there have been doubts about the current options available to Eddie Howe.
"I'm sure Mateta is somebody on their radar, they have looked at signing him in previous transfer windows.
"But I would be surprised if they made a move from this summer because he doesn't really fit the profile for the type of signing that Newcastle are looking to bring in."
What is next for Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade?
With Newcastle tracking a number of potential striker signings, questions are now being asked about the futures of their current options in the summer transfer window.
Both Wissa and Woltemade have endured frustrating seasons at St James' Park having been brought in to replace Alexander Isak after his move to Liverpoool.
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider in March that Newcastle could let both Woltemade and Wissa leave, with big decisions set to be made.
Howe is believed to be open to all eventualities, and if the opportunity emerges to move them on and replace them with a better option, it could be explored.
There is also a possibility that the duo could remain at Newcastle given a lack of clear suitors, which would also impact their pursuit of new striker additions.