Crystal Palace are open to selling Jean-Philippe Mateta for £40 million before the end of the window.
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Tottenham Hotspur continue to be linked with what would be a head-turning hijack by storming in on Nottingham Forest talks to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The French international is known to be keen to follow Marc Guehi out the door at Selhurst Park as the Eagles suffer a mid-season slump in form, with Oliver Glasner also confirming he will seek pastures new at the end of the campaign.
It is expected that Crystal Palace will not stand in the way of Mateta’s departure should a club meet their £40 million valuation, although a replacement will need to be signed. The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Nottingham Forest had seen a £35 million bid for the player rejected.
Tottenham Hotspur ‘making a move’ for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta
Spurs know how painful it is to see a transfer stolen from them at the last minute after Arsenal swooped in for Eberechi Eze in the summer and could now be plotting a similar move of their own. Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, who has been following the transfer saga given links with Juventus, claimed on Wednesday that Spurs are ‘making a move’ for Mateta.
That’s hugely exciting news for Tottenham Hotspur supporters. The club has struggled in the Premier League under Thomas Frank this season and a lack of talisman hasn’t helped their performances.
In Mateta, Spurs would sign a proven scorer in the league. The 28-year-old has eight league goals this season, having plundered 14 last term and 16 in the campaign prior. Mateta would offer a physicality and drive that would help Frank’s side, who have often lacked character since his arrival.
Spurs must complete Nottingham Forest hijack in 38 hours
Tottenham Hotspur have until the window shuts on Monday night to finalise transfers but, really, any potential Mateta hijack must be completed in the next 38 hours. That’s for two reasons.
Firstly, with Nottingham Forest seemingly frontrunners and firing bids towards Selhurst Park, Spurs cannot wait until after Sunday’s clash with Manchester City to make their move. Forest may well hit the £40 million asking price before then and, with Mateta desperate to leave, it’s unlikely he will dilly-dally when it comes to contract talks.
Secondly, that fixture against Manchester City is a huge one for Frank. Should the manager see his side lose at home again and boos ring out around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it could finally cost him his job. Spurs could also drop to being level on points with 17th place in the division.
Manchester City are no easy opponent but it’s another must-win match for Frank. Spurs’ chances of a positive result would be hugely boosted with Mateta in the squad. Even without time to gel in training, this is a player who knows how to lead the line in the Premier League and could easily slot into the starting XI.
As per Premier League rules, for Mateta to be eligible to play, he must be registered by midday the working day prior to kick-off. That’s 12 pm on Friday and gives Spurs 38 hours. The clock is ticking.
In other news, Tottenham lead Aston Villa in race to sign attacker Pep Guardiola has described as 'special'.