Nottingham Forest backed to complete Jean-Philippe Mateta signing – ‘They will end up getting a deal done’
Nottingham Forest look set to secure the signing of Jean-Philippe Mateta in the final days of the January transfer window.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes a move for Mateta would “make sense” for Nottingham Forest.
Nottingham Forest are willing to sign Mateta for £35million, with Crystal Palace prepared to listen to offers on the striker.
Mateta’s future at Crystal Palace has been uncertain lately, and the 28-year-old has only scored one goal in his last 12 appearances for the club.
Crystal Palace to get ‘maximum value’ for Jean-Philippe Mateta
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes there is currently a difference in valuation for Mateta that needs resolving before a deal can be agreed.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks the relationship has “broken down” between Mateta and Crystal Palace.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Yeah, look, I think it could well happen to Forest. I believe that there’s a £5million difference between the clubs in terms of valuation.
“I think Forest will end up getting a deal if they want him. I think they need the goals. Certainly, I think they’re one of the lowest scoring teams in the division. So to pull away from the relegation battle that they are still sort of in touch with, I think they do need some goals.
“And so Mateta would make sense for them. For Palace, I think they feel that they’re going to be safe enough. They’ve accepted that Glasner’s going to go, so it’s going to be rebuilding. So they might as well get maximum value right now when they can. I think the relationship does seem to have broken down slightly with Mateta.
“And he sees that, you know, with the manager going at the end of the season, he’s seen some other players leaving as well. He thinks it’s probably time for him to go as well. So I get it.”
Nottingham Forest make Lewis Dunk approach
Nottingham Forest have enquired about Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk, but the Seagulls have no plans to sell the 34-year-old.
Sean Dyche may be concerned about Murillo’s future at the City Ground, with the Brazilian defender having gained interest from a number of clubs.
Nottingham Forest have no plans to allow Murillo to leave, with the 23-year-old a key part of Dyche’s back four.