Man Utd eye Mateta as Premier League strike force before deadline

Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Crystal Palace and France striker Jean‑Philippe Mateta, the 29‑year‑old centre‑forward who arrived from Bundesliga side Mainz for a £9 million fee in 2022, under Michael Carrick’s oversight (Picture: PA) ahead of the transfer deadline.

Proven goal‑scorer with cup pedigree

Since joining Palace, Mateta has amassed 62 goals and 14 assists across all competitions, establishing himself as a central figure at Selhurst Park. His contributions helped the club lift the FA Cup, the Europa Conference League and the Community Shield under former manager Oliver Glasner.

Mateta attracted heavy criticism after attempting a winter move to AC Milan, which collapsed when he failed a medical at the San Siro. He subsequently rejected several contract offers from Palace in pursuit of a new opportunity.

Competing offers and United’s midfield overhaul

’s Alex Crook Aston Villa have tabled a bid worth between £25 million and £25 million for Mateta, a figure he says was immediately rejected as well below Palace’s asking price. Crook also claims United and Tottenham have been approached about the striker as they seek late‑season attacking reinforcements. United have already bolstered their midfield this summer by signing Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba.

United’s midfield acquisitions include Andrey Santos from Chelsea, Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Carlos Baleba from Brighton, reflecting a clear strategy to strengthen the centre of the park.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have added Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Savio, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senese, Andrew Robertson and Martin Dubravka, plus a season‑long loan for Omar Marmoush from Manchester City.

Mateta suffered a hamstring injury in training two days before Palace’s 4‑1 loss to Manchester City, with manager Pierre Sage confirming he will be out for around four weeks. Sage called the setback ‘crazy’ but said he hopes the striker remains at Palace, noting he has twelve months left on his contract.

If United secure Mateta, they would add a proven Premier League scorer to a squad that has already reinforced its midfield, while Palace risk losing a key attacker already sidelined and with only a year left on his deal. The deadline looms on Tuesday, leaving both clubs to weigh the financial and sporting impact of a potential move.