Revealed: The 'real reason' Jean-Philippe Mateta is refusing to sign Crystal Palace deal
Jean-Philippe Mateta's future at Crystal Palace is currently up-in-the-air as talks around a new contract continue to stall.
Jean-Philippe Mateta was at the forefront of Crystal Palace’s success last season as ended their long wait for silverware by winning the FA Cup against Man City in May.
An impressive 17 goals in 46 appearances saw him attract transfer attention in the summer as former Man United scout Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider in June that the Red Devils had Mateta on their list of striker targets.
Football Insider's sources revealed ahead of this season that Palace were in talks with Mateta about signing a new contract, with his current deal set to end in 2027, but fresh terms are yet to be reached.
Mateta is believed to be open to a move away from Palace as his contract saga drags on, and the reason why he has not penned a new deal has now been revealed.
Mateta is unhappy with the basic wage being offered by Palace
The London Evening Standard (24 November) has reported that the Eagles' board has been in dialogue with Mateta as they aim to tie him down to a new contract, but talks have reached a halt due to the base salary being offered to the Frenchman.
Palace will reportedly need to "significantly up their offer" of a new wage packet for Mateta if they are to have any hope of convincing him to sign a new contract.
Football Insider recently revealed that Tottenham hold an interest in Mateta as they seek new forward additions in January.
What Mateta has said about his future at Palace
Palace have no interest in losing Mateta midway through the campaign, or at all, as they work desperately to agree fresh terms that tie him down to a longer deal at Selhurst Park.
Oliver Glasner's own future has been uncertain in recent months after a tough summer window for Palace, and it is imperative that they do not keep losing important club figures with Eberechi Eze already gone and Marc Guehi seemingly set to leave soon.
Mateta has remained very coy on his future, and recently insisted that he is solely focused on on-field matters rather than what is going on behind the scenes.
Head of their Conference League clash against Larnaca last month, he said: "I'm focused on my season. I'm just thinking about the game (on Thursday)."