(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Tue 2 June 2026 9:46, UK

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Nottingham Forest are ready to reignite their interest in Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Frenchman is out of contract in June 2027 and the Eagles are looking to cash in on him ahead of next term, with a new deal still looking unlikely.

Mateta’s price tag has now dropped down to the £25million mark, and sources say that Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is prepared to back Vitor Pereira to fund the addition of a new frontman.

The 28-year-old is attracting interest from several clubs across Europe, with teams preparing to swoop in knowing that Palace don’t want to lose him on a free.

Forest want to add to their attack ahead of next season, and they are now readying another move for Mateta, after they missed out on him back in January.

Nottingham Forest to face significant battle for Jean-Philippe Mateta

Mateta came within a whisker of leaving Palace during the winter window, as only a failed medical was able to prevent him from making a move to AC Milan.

The Eagles even managed to get their replacement for him signed in advance in Jorgen Strand Larsen, and they are ready to use their final chance to cash in on Mateta this summer.

The former Mainz man has been linked with a whole host of clubs in the Premier League and beyond in recent months, and it is clear that he will have no shortage of suitors once the window opens.

Forest’s interest has been sustained, while there have also been links over moves to the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle of late.

Mateta struck 16 goals in all competitions for Oliver Glasner’s side this term, and has proven in the last three seasons that he has what it takes to be a consistent Premier League frontman.

He also netted the winner for Palace in their UEFA Conference League final victory, but it now looks increasingly likely that it will be his final contribution in their colours.

Forest ready new contract talks as Man United lurk

Football Insider revealed on Monday that Forest are lining up a new contract for Ibrahim Sangare, after he has been subject to interest from the likes of Manchester United and Besiktas in recent months.

The Ivorian midfielder is set to be involved in the World Cup with his country over the next few weeks, but the Reds are already planning to sit down and discuss new terms with him upon his return.

The 28-year-old is into the final two years of his current deal at the City Ground, and the club are keen to reward him for his strong performances on the pitch throughout the season.

Forest’s planned move is also an attempt to ward off the interest in Sangare, as they are fearful of potentially losing both him and Elliot Anderson in the same window.