Transfer: Man United offered opportunity to sign Mateta from Crystal Palace before deadline

Manchester United were presented with the chance to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta prior to the transfer deadline. Since transferring to Selhurst Park from Mainz for £9 million in 2022, the 29-year-old Frenchman has netted 62 goals and provided 14 assists across all competitions. Mateta played a pivotal role in Palace's FA Cup, Europa Conference League, and Community Shield triumphs under former manager Oliver Glasner.

However, fans condemned him after he attempted to secure a move to AC Milan during the winter, an attempt that ultimately failed due to a failed medical at the San Siro. Mateta has subsequently rejected multiple contract offers from Palace in search of new opportunities. Aston Villa have submitted an offer, valued at £25 million to £35 million, for the 6ft 4in centre-forward, but it was swiftly rejected as it fell short of Palace's demands.

Sources indicate that both United and Tottenham Hotspur have also been approached about signing Mateta, as both clubs scramble to bolster their attack before the window closes on Tuesday. United's summer transfer targets have primarily been in the central midfield department, where they have signed Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba from Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Brighton.

Meanwhile, Tottenham has bolstered their midfield with Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Savio, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senese, Andrew Robertson, and Martin Dubravka. Additionally, Tottenham recently secured Omar Marmoush on a season-long loan from Manchester City.