Nottingham Forest ‘to target’ Jean-Philippe Mateta amid Crystal Palace turmoil | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest are being linked with a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has told the club he wants to leave this month. According to The Telegraph, Sean Dyche's men are keen on the French forward as Chris Wood recovers from a knee injury.

Palace have a mooted £35 million price tag for the 28-year-old. He has not submitted a transfer request but has expressed a desire to leave this month. Forest are said to be weighing a lucrative proposal.

Relations between the clubs are strained after Forest took Palace's Europa League place by raising concerns to UEFA about the FA Cup winners' ownership. Steve Parish has since suggested Forest played a role in their demotion to the Conference League after a failed CAS appeal.

Dyche's side have already added Lorenzo Lucca on loan from Napoli, though options remain thin up front. Juventus have also been linked with Mateta. Aston Villa interest has been mooted, with Evann Guessand mentioned, but a potential move for Tammy Abraham casts doubt.

Palace, navigating Marc Guehi's move to Manchester City and Oliver Glasner's planned summer exit, are reluctant to sell another key player without a replacement. Mateta has one year left on his deal and has reportedly made it clear he will not sign a new one.

The Eagles do not intend to offload their top scorer, on nine goals in all competitions, before reinforcements arrive. The teams meet at the City Ground this weekend and Mateta's involvement is uncertain. Forest, meanwhile, remain mindful of PSR and may need a sale before further additions.

Source: Nottingham Post