To say INEOS have their work cut out this summer is an understatement. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
After taking the time to lick their wounds over Liam Delap’s impending Chelsea move, Manchester United are preparing to pursue another Premier League-proven frontman.
Indeed, the Red Devils have set their sights on Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, who faces an uncertain future at Selhurst Park following a history-making campaign.
The striker played an integral role in Palace clinching their first-ever major honour in the form of the FA Cup, having defeated Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley last month.
United to step up striker search with Jean-Philippe Mateta approach
According to TeamTalk, United will step up their interest in Mateta this week by making ‘concrete moves’ to seal his signature.
They do, however, face interest from Serie A giants AC Milan and Juventus, both of whom – like the Reds – have endured substandard seasons and are in dire need of reinforcements up front.
How Mateta has fared this term
It’s thought Palace will demand a fee in the region of £25.2 million to £29.5m to sanction the exit of the 27-year-old, whose contract runs until June 2027; the club activated his one-year extension back in December to ensure his deal did not expire in 2026.
Across 2024/2025, Mateta notched 14 goals and two assists in 37 top-flight appearances — two goals shy of his tally last season, which saw him net 16 goals and contribute six assists.
The fact he turns 28 at the end of the month makes him a slightly more senior option that INEOS have been looking to recruit since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial takeover was ratified and also explains why Delap was considered their first-choice to lead the line despite him having just one campaign as a regular starter under his belt.
