Manchester United open talks to sign Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta | OneFootball

Jean-Philippe Mateta (27), currently out of action following Liam Roberts’ challenge last weekend, is the subject of concrete interest from Manchester United, L’Équipe understands. However, Crystal Palace will not allow the Frenchman to leave on the cheap.

Mateta is having an excellent start to 2025. He has already netted eight goals in the calendar year, the same as Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, whilst this season, the Frenchman has 15 goals in all competitions, including 12 in the Premier League. His form has caught the eye of Manchester United, who are in the market for a replacement for Rasmus Höjlund.

L’Équipe are reporting that Manchester United have already opened talks to sign the centre-forward. However, Crystal Palace have set a hefty asking price of £40m. Mateta’s contract with the Premier League side runs until 2027.

The centre-forward will miss today’s game against Ipswich Town, however, it is hoped that he will take part in Crystal Palace’s training camp, which start in Marbella on Monday. A return for the FA Cup quarter-final game against Fulham at the end of the month is envisaged.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle