Nottingham Forest 'ready offer' as Jean-Philippe Mateta stance revealed
Nottingham Forest are prepared to submit an offer for Jean-Philippe Mateta but will only move if they believe a deal is possible.
The 29-year-old has been a crucial player for Crystal Palace in the last two years and has played a key role in leading them to FA Cup and Conference League success.
His performances have placed him firmly on Nottingham Forest's radar as they aim to sign a Premier League proven striker to bolster their ranks.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Nottingham Forest are ready to make a move if they are given encouragement by Crystal Palace.
The Eagles were open to losing Mateta in January as he came close to joining AC Milan, but are now reluctant to do so, despite there being less than 12 months on his contract.
Pierre Sage's side would be content to see the France international see out his contract, but also believe that if they are made an offer they cannot refuse, he could move on.
What is Crystal Palace's stance on selling Jean-Philippe Mateta?
Brown warned Football Insider on 6 July that Crystal Palace may be powerless to keep Mateta if they receive a big offer, and Nottingham Forest could tempt them to sell.
If Forest come to the conclusion that their offer would be enough to tempt Palace into letting their star man go, then they will be prepared to accelerate their interest.
Oliver Glasner's side are believed to have money to spend after the huge sale of Elliot Anderson, but are keen not to waste funds as they weigh up their options.
"Nottingham Forest are definietely very much interested in 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.
"If they are given any indication, from Crystal Palace or from Mateta, that there is a deal to be done, then I expect that's when they will make a move.
"They don't want to get dragged into a drawn-out process where they're making offer after offer and being told no every time, they'll want to get a deal done quickly.
"If they get any idea that Crystal Palace will accept an offer at a certain price, then that's when they can decide to make it happen.
"That just depends on Palace being willing to sell, though, and at the moment I'm not quite sure they are that keen to lose an important part of their side."
How does Mateta feel about joining Nottingham Forest?
Nottingham Forest's pursuit of Mateta will receive another boost if the player can be convinced of the move, as there is a chance he could push for the move .
Mateta pushed to join AC Milan during the January transfer window, refusing to play when Palace faced Forest at the City Ground, before that deal ultimately fell though.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider that Mateta could be tempted by a big financial offer from Nottingham Forest despite previous reports about his career goals.
As previously reported, his interest in a move away from Palace stems from his hope to play Champions League football, and dreams of playing in Italy, but money talks.
His relationship with Glasner following their successful spell together at Selhurst Park is also expected to be key, as he could be tempted to reunite with his former boss.