Liverpool open talks to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta

Liverpool have made contact with Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to a report.

The Reds are in the market for a striker. It was an open secret heading into the summer that Liverpool would pursue a reliable No.9 due to Darwin Nunez failing to live up to expectations at Anfield.

The tragic passing of Diogo Jota has given the search for a new forward a sad new impetus, while discussions over the future of Nunez remain ongoing. A move to Napoli has hit an impasse in recent days, with reports in Italy suggesting that the Serie A champions have moved on.

Napoli are reportedly trying to finalise the arrival of Lorenzo Lucca after baulking at Liverpool’s €70 million asking price for Nunez, who scored in the Reds’ emotional friendly clash with Preston on Sunday.

However, Foot Mercato now claims that Napoli are still hopeful of landing Nunez, and the French outlet adds that Liverpool have made contact with a new striker target.

Liverpool open Mateta talks

The report asserts that Liverpool have opened talks with Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Frenchman has been persistently linked with a move away from Selhurst Park after establishing himself as a very good Premier League forward under Oliver Glasner.

Man Utd, too, have been associated with the 28-year-old, but it is Liverpool who have now made the first move. The Anfield club have made contact with the striker’s representatives, and it is claimed that there was even a meeting in Paris between club officials and the player’s agent.

Given that Liverpool have already spent north of €200 million this summer, and with the sale of Nunez still not wrapped up, Mateta is an appealing option as he would be cheaper than other No.9 targets.

Since the arrival of Glasner at Palace, Mateta has scored a whopping 30 goals in 59 appearances across all competitions. It is thought that €50 million could be enough to prise him away from Selhurst Park.

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