CONFIRMED: Man Utd striker deal unlocked AT LAST after bid accepted

Manchester United could make a surprise late move in the transfer window for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, with everything falling into place to allow a move.

The London side have reached an agreement with Aston Villa over a deal that will see Evann Guessand play the second half of the season at Selhurst Park, potentially unlocking Mateta’s exit.

Palace, meanwhile, are racing to add to their attacking options before the close of the January transfer window, having already signed Brennan Johnson from Tottenham, while they are also close to securing a €57m deal for Jorgen Strand Larsen.

But FootMercato reports that the Eagles have already agreed a move that will see Guessand move to London.

Palace make double deal

With both Guessand and Strand Larsen set to join Palace in the days ahead, the door has been opened for Mateta to get his desired move away from the club.

Mateta has primarily been linked with a switch to Juventus and Tottenham, but Man Utd have also been associated with a move for the hitman and have even been outlined as his target. With just 18 months left on his contract at the South London side, it appears he will get the January transfer he craves.

A late bloomer in footballing terms, Mateta has recently become a full France international at the age of 28 and may see this as his final chance to get a big move.

His form at Palace has been outstanding for the last two-and-a-half years, during which he has scored 38 Premier League goals.

Man Utd could make late transfer shock

While United have had a quiet transfer window, there remains the possibility of a late deal that would see them strengthen a key area of their squad.

Mateta is a long-standing transfer target, but his signing was primarily mooted prior to Ruben Amorim’s sacking. He was seen as an ideal spearhead to the attack.

Despite the departure of the Portuguese, the rumours have lingered, and if United really are serious about making a move for the hitman, now appears their time to do it.

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