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Crystal Palace are in talks with Jean-Philippe Mateta over a new contract, with the French striker having been linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer
Crystal Palace and Jean-Philippe Mateta have reportedly held discussions regarding extending his contract at Selhurst Park. The French striker was linked with several moves in the summer, including a potential switch to Manchester United.
Mateta, 28, still has 18 months left on his current deal in south London, but the Eagles are keen to act amid 'growing interest' in the forward. Following a sluggish start to his Premier League career, Mateta found the net 30 times across the past two campaigns to establish himself as one of the division's leading marksmen.
The France international has netted six times in 11 appearances this term and has struck twice in his opening three outings for Les Bleus. The Palace talisman earned his international bow last month, finding the back of the net in a stalemate against Iceland before scoring against Azerbaijan last weekend.
Palace have yet to reach an agreement, according to Sky Sports. The FA Cup winners remain relaxed about Mateta's circumstances, however.
Last month, Mateta was questioned about whether he would fancy joining an 'elite' club. He told RMC Sport: "It's natural, every ambitious player wants to reach that milestone.
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
"Especially when you arrive in the national team and around you, there are only players who play in the Champions League, who win the biggest trophies. When you play surrounded by the best players in the world, naturally you want to reach that milestone."
United were reportedly in discussions with Mateta's camp earlier this year. They eventually opted to bring in Benjamin Sesko to lead their attack.
Palace were understood to be demanding £40 million for their prolific frontman, with Mateta said to be weighing up his options.
Sesko set United back more than £70m and is still finding his feet in a new league, but former Premier League boss Sam Allardyce reckons United made an error.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, he said: "Do you know who I'd have bought, more than anybody else? Mateta, absolutely. The centre-forward is absolutely brilliant and why they didn't buy him, I don't know, especially when the big strikers are coming back [into fashion]."
Palace were able to offer Mateta European football this season and United couldn't provide the same attraction after their 15th-place Premier League finish.
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