Manchester United are not currently planning to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta in January, but that could change if another forward leaves Old Trafford.
The Crystal Palace striker has been on United’s radar for some time, with the club considering him as an experienced option to provide cover for Benjamin Sesko. However, according to Football Insider, any move for Mateta is now dependent on what happens with United’s existing forwards.
Joshua Zirkzee remains one of the players whose future could have a major influence on the situation. The Netherlands international has been linked with a departure for some time and continues to attract interest from clubs around Europe.
Mateta move depends on Zirkzee future
Manchester United currently have Benjamin Sesko and Zirkzee as their main centre-forward options, meaning another striker is not viewed as an immediate priority.
Pete O’Rourke explained on the Transfer Insider podcast that Mateta could become a serious target if Manchester United lose one of those players.
“Man United have had a long-standing interest in signing Jean-Philippe Mateta,” O’Rourke said.
“A lot will depend on their own situation, because obviously they have got Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee as their attacking options at the moment who can lead the line.”
That leaves Zirkzee’s future particularly important. Should United decide to sell the former Bologna forward during the January window, they could then turn to Mateta as his replacement.
Everything could depend on whether another attacking departure creates the space and need for a new forward. Meanwhile, Mateta is finding it difficult to adjust at Crystal Palace after failing to move away during the summer transfer window.
