Manchester United are looking to sign another striker if Joshua Zirkzee leaves before deadline day.
INEOS are unwilling to overburden Benjamin Sesko, but, given their expenditure in midfield, the co-owners are unwilling to spend heavily.
That could mean the Red Devils will miss out on Crystal Palace striker Jean‑Philippe Mateta. The Eagles are demanding a hefty fee to move the Frenchman on, as Aston Villa have found out recently.
According to CaughtOffside, Unai Emery’s side submitted a proposal worth £20 million, which the team from Selhurst Park promptly turned down.
Villa’s offer for Jean‑Philippe Mateta rejected
United are lurking in the background, and can only afford Palace’s asking price should either Joshua Zirkzee or Marcus Rashford leave permanently.
“Aston Villa have intensified their efforts in the final stretch of the summer transfer window, submitting a £20m bid for Crystal Palace striker Jean‑Philippe Mateta.
“Villa’s opening £20m offer fell well short of Crystal Palace’s expectations. The situation could lead others to pounce on this opportunity. Names mentioned by well-placed sources in the industry include Manchester United, Tottenham and Galatasaray.
“Manchester United’s position is more calculated. Mateta’s representatives offered the player to Old Trafford, but United will not move unless space is created in the squad. Unless Marcus Rashford or Joshua Zirkzee depart, the club will not submit an official bid.”
United’s bid for Jean‑Philippe Mateta depends on Zirkzee, Rashford
As things stand, the Mancunian is not going anywhere, while only loan offers with an option to buy have been made for the Netherlands international.
United are yet to green light such a proposal, which could yet see Zirkzee remain at Old Trafford.
As talkSPORT revealed, United are unlikely to match Palace’s asking price for Jean‑Philippe Mateta.
Other names on United’s radar include Alexander Sørloth, Jonathan David and a number of young Bundesliga strikers. It will be interesting to see who INEOS sign should the former Bologna ace depart for the Serie A.
The Peoples Person Reliability AssessmentOverall credibility: 6/10Why?
INEOS are unlikely to spend big on a striker this summer. Palace’s demands are significant.
The Frenchman is on United’s radar.
TPP viewMan United have Jean‑Philippe Mateta on their list of targets but they are likely looking at only a loan deal.
Feature image Julian Finney via Getty Images
