A star striker for the Red Devils! Manchester United find unexpected attacking reinforcement in the Premier League

Squad problems and a shortage of prolific forwards are forcing Manchester United's hierarchy to urgently scour the domestic market.

Details: According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United are actively exploring options to strengthen their attack ahead of the opening of the winter transfer window. One of the leading candidates on Red Devils football director Jason Wilcox's shortlist is 29-year-old French Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Representatives of the French forward contacted Manchester United themselves during preliminary discussions ahead of the New Year. The player has been seeking a move away from the club for some time, while his contract expiring next summer makes January the Eagles' last realistic opportunity to collect a substantial fee for their star man.

The likelihood of a transfer will largely depend on the price demanded by the London club. At the same time, Manchester United's interest is being intensified by Benjamin Sesko's frequent injuries, while Crystal Palace's interest in Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee could become an additional factor in the negotiations.

It is worth noting that Jean-Philippe Mateta has represented Crystal Palace since 2021, scoring 62 goals in 203 appearances across all competitions. At present, the respected Transfermarkt portal values the 29-year-old Frenchman at €30 million.

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