Crystal Palace striker linked with January transfer switch
Jean-Philippe Mateta is being linked with a January exit from Crystal Palace.
French sports publication L’Equipe are reporting that AS Saint-Etienne, bottom of Ligue 1, are hoping to sign the forward on loan.
Mateta signed for the Eagles a year ago on an 18-month loan deal from Bundesliga club Mainz. The switch included the option to make the move permanent.
It was reported in October that Palace manager Patrick Vieira was set to cancel the French attacker’s stay at the start of 2022.
Since then Mateta, 24, scored against Norwich City in the Premier League on December 28. He also played the final half hour of the 3-2 loss to West Ham, going close with an acrobatic attempt in the closing stages.
Mateta has scored twice in 13 appearances.
Palace are interested in a permanent deal for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah. The England U21 international is out of contract at the start of July and negotiations over a renewal have failed to reach fruition.
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD