Man Utd eye Jean-Philippe Mateta swoop but face huge stumbling block in bid to land Crystal Palace ace after standout season

United are said to be interested in signing Crystal Palace striker Mateta this summer but could struggle to get a deal over the line as the 27-year-old wants to play in the Champions League. The Red Devils look keen to bring in a new central forward over the coming months, with Rasmus Hojlund linked with an exit after scoring just four Premier League goals in the 2024-25 season.

United were among the clubs chasing Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap but the youngster has rejected their advances in favour of Chelsea, with a deal nearing completion. There are a number of other strikers Ruben Amorim's side may pivot towards, with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko attracting plenty of attention in recent weeks.

In a newsletter for The Independent, Delaney wrote: "United are now left rearranging plans. Many in the game are wondering whether they go back in on Viktor Gyokeres, having apparently gone cool on Ruben Amorim's former Sporting striker in January.

"Arsenal have obviously been looking at the Swedish forward, but the latest is that they're leaning towards Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. United themselves are considering Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, but they are one of many, and he obviously isn't a striker.

"Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta remains appealing...but he also wants Champions League football. United's spending ability might at least be aided by the surprising development that Bruno Fernandes is seriously considering Al-Hilal's offer. In general, in the market, there's a sense of lull before it opens with a burst."

Mateta bagged 17 goals in all competitions as he helped Palace win the FA Cup. Only Fernandes scored more from United's squad as he netted 19 times, with seven of those coming in the Europa League.

After a surprise defeat to ASEAN All-Stars, United managed to bounce back on their post-season tour by beating Hong Kong on Friday. The players will now take a break from their club commitments, with plenty of movement expected in the transfer market.