Man Utd will sign a striker this summer. (Image: Getty)
have joined other heavyweight suitors in the race to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to reports. The Red Devils are expected to target a new goalscorer at the end of the season, and it’s claimed that Mateta features on ‘s shortlist amid his uncertain future at Selhurst Park.
Amorim needs fresh firepower to improve his side’s woeful attacking record. Only Everton and the three clubs in the relegation zone have scored fewer goals than United this season.
and Joshua Zirkzee have managed five league goals combined, half of Mateta’s tally, which has been boosted by six strikes in his last five games.
The 27-year-old downed United in his last outing, scoring both goals in Palace’s 2-0 win at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Amorim started the same match without a recognised striker on the pitch, using Kobbie Mainoo as his frontman while Hojlund and Zirkzee watched from the bench.
Mateta’s performance in front of goal would’ve impressed club chiefs, who are reportedly keeping tabs on the France international ahead of the summer.
According to , United and six other clubs, including and United, are all in the frame to pursue the Palace striker as doubts over his long-term future loom.
Mateta is under contract in south London until 2027 after the Eagles triggered a 12-month extension, but he is yet to agree fresh terms.
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored twice vs Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
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AFC Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United are also credited with an interest alongside Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Marseille.
Mateta took some time to get going after landing at Palace from FC Mainz 05 in January 2022 but has exploded under the guidance of Oliver Glasner.
The £9million Frenchman has scored 26 goals in 41 games since Glasner replaced Roy Hodgson as manager.
In that period, only , Alexander Isak, and have recorded higher tallies.
Amorim should prioritise a new striker once the summer transfer window opens after addressing left-wing-back with the £29m arrival of Patrick Dorgu from Lecce in January.
Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres unsurprisingly headlines speculation, considering the pair’s hugely successful relationship in Lisbon.
However, United are facing the prospect of an unprecedented second successive season without Champions League football in the face, and Gyokeres will feel like he belongs in Europe’s elite competition.
It would be no surprise to see the Red Devils get creative with their summer targets, and a move for Mateta would seal experience while not breaking the bank.