Man United plot cut-price summer deal for £30m striker target after holding internal talks
Man United have been linked to signing a £30m Premier League star in the summer transfer window.
Michael Carrick wasn’t able to lead the Red Devils to a five-game winning streak, but he does have them up in the Champions League places after a 1-1 draw against West Ham on Tuesday night. The Red Devils seem rejuvenated under Carrick, but whether he’s the long-term option remains to be seen.
However, regardless of who the manager is next season, there are several positions that Man United want to upgrade in the transfer market. The striker position is one of those, as Benjamin Sesko still remains inexperienced and raw, and Joshua Zirkzee has really struggled for consistent form.
Several strikers have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, including a Premier League star, who could be available for very cheaply in the summer, which would be a smart piece of business.
Man United plot cut-price Mateta deal
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta was set to leave Selhurst Park in the summer, as he had a deal agreed to join AC Milan, but he failed the medical due to a knee injury that he’s dealing with.
The player has made it clear that he wants to leave Palace, and in the summer, he will have just one year left on his contract. According to Football Insider, Palace will be willing to reduce their valuation of the France international, as they won’t want to let him walk for free in June 2027 when his contract expires.
It’s understood that Man United are eyeing a move for the striker, as he would complement Sesko’s inexperience for next season and beyond. Furthermore, seeing as Palace spent big on Jorgen Strand Larsen in January, Mateta’s exit is inevitable, so United could capitalise on a cheap deal for the 29-year-old.
Mateta looked as though he may have needed surgery, but it’s now understood he doesn’t. Although, based on the way that everything went for him in January, it remains to be seen if he will play for Palace again this season.
Man United also keen on Mateta’s teammate
Mateta isn’t the only Palace player that Man United could sign in the summer, as they are also keen to strengthen in midfield. Adam Wharton is one of three key targets for the holding midfielder role, and the Red Devils are expected to battle against Liverpool for the Crystal Palace star.
Their other targets in midfield include Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, but seeing as Palace have already lost Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi this season, it is unlikely they would sell Wharton as well as Mateta in the summer, because that would decimate the Eagles’ squad.
Wharton is probably the least likely signing of the midfield trio, but if United decide to prioritise signing him, they could see two Palace players though the door in the summer.