Premier League forward’s agent ‘working hard’ to find new club before deadline with Man United approached

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Utd Report

·24 August 2026

Premier League forward’s agent ‘working hard’ to find new club before deadline with Man United approached

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s agents are said to be ‘working hard’ to find him a new club amid growing uncertainty over his Crystal Palace future.

According to TeamTalk, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have been contacted to gauge whether they’d be interested in signing the frontman.

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Mateta: The state of play

His situation at Selhurst Park has turned sour this year, particularly since his proposed £26 million transfer to AC Milan collapsed in the winter window after issues were flagged in his medical regarding a previous meniscus injury.

Although he returned to action for the Eagles and went on to play a key role in their UEFA Conference League triumph, Mateta has still been planning a move elsewhere, despite Palace having no desire to sell him.

Watch the Eagles soar 🦅 Jean-Philippe Mateta with a priceless goal to give Crystal Palace the lead 🔥 📺 TNT Sports and HBO Max
– Wednesday, 27 May 2026

He has now raised concerns over their handling of his contract and the validity of the 12-month option triggered by Palace, keeping him tied to the club until June 2027.

Exc: Jean-Philippe Mateta has argued the final months on his Crystal Palace contract are invalid and has taken his challenge to FIFA. Governing body ruled this week that the issue is not in their jurisdiction.
– Saturday, 22 August 2026

Would United be open to signing Mateta?

Regardless of the outcome of the 29-year-old’s dispute, he is keen to seal an agreement with a new club before the September 1 deadline.

United have previously been linked with Mateta, but they have never materialised their interest by submitting a formal bid.

It’s thought that INEOS are in the market for a new centre-forward to ease the goalscoring burden on Benjamin Sesko, and while the Palace talisman is slightly older than the players they would usually target, he does now boast six seasons’ worth of Premier League experience.

Mateta’s complete top-flight record for Palace

Despite being embroiled in controversy with Palace’s board, manager Pierre Sage did opt to start Mateta for the side’s season-opener against Everton on Saturday.

He played for just over an hour at the Hill Dickinson Stadium but was unable to make an impact as Palace slumped to a 2-0 defeat.