Jean-Philippe Mateta 'tempted' by Nottingham Forest offer despite Crystal Palace plan

Nottingham Forest are growing increasingly confident of landing a deal for Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta this summer.

The 29-year-old has emerged as a leading taret for Forest amid doubts about his long-term future at Crystal Palace after he came close to joining AC Milan in January.

As previously reported, Mateta's interest in a move away from Selhurst Park stems from his hope to play Champions League football, and dreams of playing in Italy.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that a big offer from Nottingham Forest could be enough to convince him despite his previous plans.

The France international has just one year remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park and is unlikely to sign a new deal despite an offer having been on the table for months.

Instead, he is keen to assess his options, and there is a growing feeling that he could be convinced to reuinte with former boss Oliver Glasner at the City Ground.

Could Nottingham Forest make a move for Jean-Philippe Mateta?

Football Insider revealed in June that Nottingham Forest are planning to reignite their interest in Mateta, having missed out on a deal in the January transfer window.

Following Glasner's appointment, there is a hope that the strong relationship between the pair can play a significant role in luring him to the City Ground.

Meanwhile, there is expected to be a significant wage increase waiting for him, with Nottingham Forest not afraid to splash the cash in pursuit of their top targets.

"I keep hearing noises about Nottingham Forest and Jean-Philippe Mateta," Brown told Football Insider.

"It's something that has come up before, and it looks like they're going to explore whether or not they could do a deal, because he's not signing a new contract at Palace.

"Having Oliver Glasner there obviously makes a difference, they have a good relationship from their time at Palace where Mateta has really developed his game.

"I'm told that a lot of the speculation about Mateta is because he wants to play in Italy and wants to play in the Champions League, but ultimately, money talks.

"Nottingham Forest aren't shy of paying big wages, look at what they offered to Glasner, and if they make a big offer for Mateta then I'm sure he can be tempted.

"Whether or not Palace want to sell to a club who are in a similar position to them in the league, I have my doubts, but it might not be as easy as that."

How do Crystal Palace feel about selling Mateta?

Mateta has been outstanding for Crystal Palace in recent years, as he helped them win the FA Cup before scoring the winning goal in the Conference League final.

He remains extremely highly regarded at Selhurst Park among the fans, club and his teammates, but with less than 12 months left on his contract, he could be set to leave.

Brown told Football Insider last month that Crystal Palace hope not to lose Mateta and are planning last-ditch talks over a new contract to extend his stay in South London.

However, it is currently considered unlikely that Mateta will put pen to paper, and instead his future will be decided by whether or not offers come in this summer.

The Eagles, though, are prepared for the striker to see out his contract and leave on a free in 2027 as they would rather keep him for a year than sell for a discounted fee.