Crystal Palace are in contact to sign the Premier League’s “fantastic” striker, with the club reportedly prepared to cash in a suitable fee this month.
Palace step up pursuit of new striker as interest in Mateta grows
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s performance against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon did not earn him a place in the shop window, with his Sofascore match rating of 5.8 despite winning just two of nine games in a disappointing 2-0 defeat.
However, with the Frenchman’s contract due to expire at the end of the season and new terms yet to be agreed, interest from some rival clubs in the Premier League is starting to grow.
With that in mind, Palace have embarked on a search for a potential replacement, with Strasbourg star Joaquin Panichelli recently revealed as a top target.
However, TEAMtalk reports that the Eagles are in contact with Wolverhampton Wanderers star Jorgen Strand Larsen over a deal, but the Eagles are not the only ones looking to sign him, with other options also on the table.
Indeed, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham are also in contention for the striker, with his current employers reportedly prepared to cash in £40m this month as relegation from the Premier League is almost certain.
Wolves want to protect the value of the Norwegian and are currently open to a sale, but the Eagles are bound to have some hesitation in pursuing a move for the former Celta Vigo man…
Strand Larsen would be a risky signing for Palace
Crystal Palace have already broken a transfer record once this month by spending £35m to sign Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur, but they may need to do so again if they are to win the race for Wolves’ centre-forward.
Same agent as Johnson: Crystal Palace enter race to sign ‘outstanding’ Colossus
The Eagles have been named as a candidate for center back.
However, the Halden-born striker’s performances this season have left much to be desired, with him scoring just one goal this season and being relegated to the bench in his last three Premier League games.
There are some signs that the Norway international could be successful at Selhurst Park, given that he scored a top-flight 14 goals last season, during which the Wolves ace was hailed as “fantastic” by former manager Vitor Pereira.
However, the Eagles’ main priority is retaining Mateta. Despite struggling last time out against Newcastle, 28-year-old Mateta has been reliable in front of goal this season, scoring eight goals in 20 Premier League games.
