Man Utd Now Want Jean-Philippe Mateta Transfer

Manchester United have put themselves in the race to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta once again this summer, according to SportBILD, as the club continues to assess potential striker arrivals.

It comes as the Red Devils look to build their squad for the coming season, adding both depth and quality in all positions to keep competing across all competitions.

While Benjamin Sesko impressed last season, a likely exit for Joshua Zirkzee means that there is a lack of natural number nine options available for Michael Carrick.

Robert Lewandowski has been linked as a target, following the end of his contract at Barcelona, but it appears as though Mateta is the latest link.

As Man United consider their options, SportsBILD reports that the club are showing interest in Crystal Palace star Mateta this summer.

The French striker is entering the final year of his deal at Selhurst Park, and appears incredibly unlikely to renew with the club in the coming months.

The 28-year-old was close to joining AC Milan in the winter transfer window, but an issue in his medical meant that a deal fell apart at the last moment.

It means the Eagles only have the next two transfer windows to recoup a fee for Mateta, with Man United joined by Barcelona in the race for his signature.

The fee touted by the report is a bargain €25 million (£21.5 million) valuation, a move that could see a club land a striker entering the peak years of his career with plenty of quality to show for such a small price.

Any transfer is likely to come after the World Cup, with his involvement with France being the current priority, meaning some work can begin for all clubs on getting the terms of a deal in place.

Mateta may be the exact kind of striker that Manchester United need to sign for such an important season that is right around the corner.

The forward offers experience and quality as he enters the peak years of his career, having shown an ability to play at the very highest level in the Premier League.

While his form has been in and out, Mateta has been described as 'one of the best strikers in Europe', and when he's at his very best, that's exactly what he is.

He's emerging as an alternative transfer option for Manchester United this summer

He offers a presence in the box and in general play, which could make him perfectly complement a player like Benjamin Sesko in the forward line.

Given the jump in quality and the increased schedule that comes with a return to the Champions League, Mateta would be an ideal rotation option with Sesko up front.

At a bargain fee on top of that, United should go all out for the Crystal Palace star this summer.