Manchester United are not currently planning a January move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, although that could change if another forward leaves Old Trafford.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has been on United’s radar as they consider experienced cover for Benjamin Sesko. However, the club’s current plans are being influenced by the futures of the forwards already at Old Trafford.
Joshua Zirkzee is one player who could have a major impact on the situation. The Netherlands international has been linked with a departure and continues to attract interest from clubs around Europe.
Mateta move could depend on Zirkzee
Manchester United currently have Sesko and Zirkzee as their main centre-forward options, meaning another striker is not viewed as an immediate priority.
That could change if one of them leaves, with Mateta then becoming a more serious option for the club.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke discussed the situation on the Transfer Insider podcast.
“Man United have had a long-standing interest in signing Jean-Philippe Mateta,” O’Rourke said.
“A lot will depend on their own situation, because obviously they have got Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee as their attacking options at the moment who can lead the line.”
Manchester United are not actively planning a January deal for the Crystal Palace striker. The situation could still change, though, depending on what happens with their existing forwards.
That makes Zirkzee’s future particularly important. Should United lose one of their current centre-forward options, Mateta could move back into serious consideration when the January window opens.
