Liverpool and Manchester United have suffered a massive blow in their pursuit of Crystal Palace attacking mainstay Jean Philippe-Mateta.
According to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, Crystal Palace are doing everything in their power to ensure Jean Philippe-Mateta continues at Selhurst Park. The Eagles have no intentions of selling their star striker despite interest from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.
It is a massive blow for the Premier League giants as they are very keen on having him in their squad on the back of his sensational performances last season. The 28-year-old striker bagged 17 goals and four assists in a campaign where the Eagles won the FA Cup.
While his performances have put him on the radar of a number of clubs, the Eagles do not want to negotiate his departure. With two years left on his deal, they are in a very comfortable position with regard to his signature.
O’Rourke’s take on Philippe-Mateta’s future
While speaking about Philippe-Mateta’s future to Football Insider, O’Rourke said: “There’s a number of clubs who are looking at Mateta,”
“He had a great season for Palace last season, there’s no getting away from that.
“With 17 goals in all competitions, he obviously played a key role in them winning the FA Cup.
“It’s not just Liverpool being linked, you’ve got Manchester United being credited with an interest in him as well as AC Milan who have been looking at him.
“Palace will be doing everything they can to keep hold of Mateta.
“They’re shutting down the hatches at Palace with all of the top clubs looking at their best players with the continues links with Eze and Arsenal, Guehi and Liverpool.
“Palace can’t afford to lose too many big players in this window, it would be a disaster for them.
“So they’ll be doing everything they can to keep hold of Jean-Philippe Mateta.
“He’s still got two years left on his contract, so Palace are in a strong position to keep hold of him.”
Liverpool and United suffer blow in their pursuit
Arne Slot is desperate to have a new number nine leading his attack next season following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and the potential departure of Darwin Nunez. While the Palace striker is quite high on their wishlist and they have held talks with his representatives in Paris last week, their priority remains Hugo Ekitike.
If they manage to close the mega-money deal for Eintracht Frankfurt star, they will withdraw from the race for the 28-year-old’s signature. Meanwhile, Manchester United are also keen on acquiring his services.
The Red Devils are also in the market for a new striker as Ruben Amorim isn’t pleased with the current options at his disposal. While Palace continue renewal talks with Philippe-Mateta, United have been closely monitoring his situation and could make a move if they fail to land other targets.
Both Premier League giants are very keen on his signature, but they are unlikely to get their hands on him even if they do table an offer, as he remains a key part of Oliver Galsner’s plans. Palace do not intend to negotiate his sale as quite a few of their stars are already linked with a move away.