Athletic: Ex-Milan man’s €50m move could facilitate Mateta exit with Tare keen

Crystal Palace are close to reaching a verbal agreement to sign Jean Philippe Mateta’s replacement, with AC Milan keen on the striker.

The Athletic‘s David Ornstein confirms that Palace are getting closer to signing Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with a deal worth £45million (around €50m) plus £5m in add-ons being spoken about.

He adds that ‘talks are advanced’ regarding the fee and personal terms for Strand Larsen, who was actually part of Milan’s youth set-up for a while before his move away. At present, Palace lead Leeds United in the race for the 25-year-old, who scored 14 goals last season.

What next for Mateta?

If Strand Larsen were to arrive at Selhurst Park before the window shuts in a few days, it ‘could pave the way’ for Jean-Philippe Mateta to depart the club. The Frenchman has been heavily linked with an exit for weeks now, and things might be starting to fall into place.

Palace are ‘seeking a package worth around £40m’ (roughly €46m) for the 28-year-old despite the fact his deal expires at the end of next season and he will not renew.

Nottingham Forest have offered €40m for Mateta, while Milan ‘are also keen’ and Juventus ‘explored the situation earlier in the market’.