According to Caught Offside, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also in contention to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night.
The Frenchman was recently the subject of interest from Aston Villa. The Europa League holders made a £20 million offer for the experienced ace, but it fell well short of the Eagles’ valuation of the 29-year-old.
Villa have gone on to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea to strengthen their centre-forward department, but could still return for Mateta. They are not alone in the race with Man United and Tottenham also in the mix.
Late transfer
The Athletic confirmed yesterday that Mateta sustained a hamstring injury in training this week. He has been ruled out for around four weeks, which could hamper his prospects of leaving Palace before the deadline.
Still, a transfer can’t be entirely ruled out. Man Utd recently signed Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba despite an ankle injury. The Cameroonian is still a few weeks away from returning to the playing field.
Villa could not convince Palace with their opening proposal for Mateta but could return for his services. Mateta, who netted 12 goals last season, could be seen as a direct competitor to Jackson upfront with Ollie Watkins on his way to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal.
Similarly, United could pursue the former Mainz man to compete with Benjamin Sesko. The 29-year-old’s physical presence, hold-up play and goalscoring threat would go well with the wide attacking players at the Red Devils.
Fiorentina are working hard to land Zirkzee on loan with a conditional buy clause. His departure could provide United with the platform to make an approach for Mateta before the transfer window closes at 11pm on Tuesday.
Spurs have been mentioned as the other suitors, but they may struggle to convince Mateta. The club already have Omar Marmoush, Dominic Solanke and Richarlison as strikers, but the latter has been linked with a return to Everton.
Even then, there is genuine competition from two top-class centre-forwards. With Spurs playing no European football, starting opportunities could be limited for Mateta unlike at United or Villa, who are in the Champions League.
