Image source: caughtoffside.com
Newcastle United have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, increasing pressure on Tottenham in the January market. Reports say Mateta has told Palace he wants to leave, with negotiations ongoing and the decision now with the club. Tottenham are also credited with interest, with Newcastle’s involvement pushing Spurs to act quickly.
Newcastle Step Up Mateta Interest as Tottenham Also Track Palace Striker
Newcastle are “doing everything they can” to prevent Jean-Philippe Mateta from joining Tottenham, with the forward emerging as a major January target for both clubs, according to reports. Sports Boom reported Newcastle’s interest, while TEAMtalk said Tottenham are also tracking the Crystal Palace striker as the race for his signature intensifies.
TEAMtalk added that Tottenham are under increasing pressure to move quickly for Mateta now that Newcastle have entered the picture. The 28-year-old France international has impressed at Selhurst Park, prompting speculation that he could move on this month as multiple clubs monitor his situation.
Mateta’s desire to leave has also been reported by Fabrizio Romano, who said earlier this week that the player and his camp informed Crystal Palace they want an exit. Romano reported that talks have taken place with Aston Villa and Juventus, with Mateta hoping to secure a January move while negotiations continue and the final decision remains in Palace’s hands.
The report described a turbulent period for Palace, stating their FA Cup-final winning side from last season has been almost decimated. It said Eberechi Eze scored the winning goal in that final before later joining Arsenal, and that captain Marc Guehi moved to Manchester City this month.
Palace, according to the report, face further uncertainty after Oliver Glasner announced he will leave at the end of his contract this summer. With Mateta also pushing for a transfer, the report said losing him as well would be a major blow the club cannot afford, even as Newcastle, Tottenham and Aston Villa are all portrayed as clubs that could use added goal threat up front.
