Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta is seeking a way out of the club this January as he feels unsettled and wants a new challenge.
Nottingham Forest have now join the list of clubs eager to sign the Frenchman. Aston Villa and Juventus have already been linked with a move for the striker but Palace now have a huge decision to make after receiving a hefty bid.
According to The Athletic, Sean Dyche’s side have made an offer of £35m to Palace for the 28-year-old and personal terms “will not be an issue.”
However, the report adds that Oliver Glasner’s side will only sell for £40m and if they can bring in a replacement before the window closes.
Crystal Palace who have already lost Marc Guehi this winter are interested in Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen as Mateta’s replacement.
Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta has a shot on goal during the Premier League match at Selhurst Park, London. (Photo by Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty Images)
Speaking about the current situation of Mateta’s future before the team’s defeat to Chelsea at the weekend, Glasner told reporters: “It is pretty clear. JP will stay if we don’t have the right replacement who can play immediately.”
Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has admitted the club are working on transfers and that he’s hoping to strengthen the squad. He told reporters: “I think it’s quite apparent. The club are working hard. It’s not like they don’t know the situation and they are working hard to correct the situation. But they are willing to trade and they have backed the club financially.”
It’s now left to see if both club will reach a resolution as they are both embroiled in a battle against relegation.
Relations between the two clubs also hit the headlines last season when Palace were demoted from the Europa League and Forest took their place. The club had written to UEFA to express their concerns about the Eagles’ ownership structure.
