Manchester United have reportedly been approached by intermediaries to see whether they’d be interested in signing Jean-Philippe Mateta.
That’s according to TalkSPORT, which adds that Tottenham Hotspur have also been contacted this week.
BREAKING: Crystal Palace instantly reject Aston Villa bid for Jean-Philippe Matetahttps://t.co/Kevg5rvIaH
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) August 25, 2026
Jean-Philippe Mateta: What’s the latest?
Meanwhile, Aston Villa have officially ignited their pursuit of the France international, who featured at the World Cup this summer, by sending a bid Crystal Palace’s way.
Watch the Eagles soar 🦅
Jean-Philippe Mateta with a priceless goal to give Crystal Palace the lead 🔥
📺 TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/ZZ3KZ1wI8D
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 27, 2026
The fee submitted falls below Palace’s valuation, so it remains to be seen if Villa will return with an improved proposal or go all-out for their second-choice target, Rafael Leao.
United have shown no indication as of yet that they plan to enter the race, despite previously being linked with Mateta.
He is currently embroiled in a dispute with the Palace board regarding the validity of his 12-month contract option triggered by the Eagles, which is keeping him tied to Selhurst Park until June 2027.
Exc: Jean-Philippe Mateta has argued the final months on his Crystal Palace contract are invalid and has taken his challenge to FIFA. Governing body ruled this week that the issue is not in their jurisdiction. https://t.co/opbyFj5763
— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel_BBC) August 22, 2026
Would United move for Mateta?
Hailed by Wayne Rooney as ‘one of the best forwards in the league’, Mateta did still feature for Palace in their season-opener amid his ongoing legal battle, but was unable to make an impact as the side slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Everton.
The 29-year-old played for just over an hour at the Hill Dickinson Stadium even though he’s made no secret of the fact that he is actively seeking a move elsewhere before the September 1 deadline.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 163 | 50 | 9 |
MATETA’S COMPLETE TOP-FLIGHT RECORD FOR PALACE
United are said to be in the market for a centre-forward, although it hinges on whether Joshua Zirkzee is sold in the next week.
Zirkzee, 25, has garnered interest from suitors in the Premier League and in Italy, where he spent two years with Bologna prior to his £36.5 million United switch in 2024.
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