Oliver Glasner will ‘block Jean-Philippe Mateta move’ after Man United reveal
Oliver Glasner has no plans to allow Jean-Philippe Mateta to leave Crystal Palace in the January transfer window despite interest from Man United.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that any suggestions the 28-year-old could leave in January should be ruled out.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 31 December that Man United have set their sights on Mateta to solve their striker concerns.
The striker’s contract at Selhurst Park is set to expire in 2027, raising suggestions that Palace may be forced to cash in after talks over a new deal collapsed.
However, any move is likely to take place in the summer rather than the mid-season window, as Crystal Palace are determined to strengthen their squad rather than weaken it.
Oliver Glasner to block Jean-Philippe Mateta exit
Brown told Football Insider in November that Mateta is considering leaving Crystal Palace, forcing the Eagles to assess potential alternatives in the transfer market.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Glasner will not allow the striker to leave mid-way through the season.
“There has been a lot of talk about Mateta,” he told Football Insider.
“Obviously, his contract situation makes it difficult for Crystal Palace because ideally they wouldn’t want to lose any of their key players any time soon.
“Mateta has been a huge player for them, even though he’s been out of form recently.
“I don’t think Glasner has any intention of letting him go in January, it’ll be very hard to replace him and he still has an important role to play.
“He’s still their first-choice striker even if he’s struggling a bit with the amount of games he’s being asked to play, and they hope he will get back to his best soon.
“It’s probably something they’ll have to revisit in the summer if he is going to leave.
“But for now, they want him to stay and the manager has no intentions of weakening his squad any time soon, especially given the state they’re already in.”
Crystal Palace plan for mega January transfer window
Brown told Football Insider on 4 January that Crystal Palace are planning for a mega transfer window with multiple incoming signings lined up.
Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Brennan Johnson from Tottenham already this month, but are showing no signs of slowing down in the market.
This comes amid concerns about their squad depth during an unprecedented winter schedule for the Eagles, with very few quality options on the bench.
As a result, new signings are expected to follow Johnson in at least three key positions as they target another strong end to the season.
Brown told Football Insider in November that Crystal Palace will back Glasner in January as they are aware they left him frustrated with their slow summer window.
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