AC Milan ‘pull out’ of Mateta deal as Jorgen Strand Larsen move to Palace continues | OneFootball

One of Leeds United’s emerging relegation rivals, Crystal Palace, were hit by a deadline-day twist as AC Milan were reported to have pulled out of signing Jean-Philippe Mateta for £26m.

According to Sky Sports, Juventus were monitoring the situation for a possible late loan and the Mateta development was not expected to prevent Palace completing a deal for Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Palace had lined up the Wolves striker after getting him to London where he completed medical tests on Monday, while Mateta was due his own checks amid doubts over a knee issue.

Leeds had also bid for Strand Larsen at close to £40m, but a late hijack looked impractical with the window shutting at 7pm, fewer than four hours to sort a deal, travel and a full medical that Leeds would want for a club record signing.

The 25-year-old was believed to be in London finalising a move from Molineux, and there was no suggestion the Mateta setback had cancelled the Strand Larsen deal.

Palace must now manage a striker who has made clear he wants to leave this month, while matching their asking price elsewhere could be difficult with fitness concerns in the open. A loan with an option to buy may be considered, bringing in no immediate fee.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk