INEOS now on red alert after 45-goal target begins ‘stalling’ over a new contract with Premier League club

Manchester United are said to be ‘actively monitoring’ Jean-Philippe Mateta’s situation at Crystal Palace this month.Indeed, INEOS have seemingly been put on red alert after learning that the forward’s contract talks are now ‘stalling’ at Selhurst Park, meaning they could well be tempted to test Palace’s resolve over a potential deal while he still has 17 months remaining on his current terms. Manchester United are considering a move for Jean-Philippe Mateta and are actively monitoring his contract situation at Crystal Palace with the Frenchman stalling over a new deal at Selhurst Park. #MUFC #CPFC pic.twitter.com/DNWCjHQMTX — Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) December 31, 2025Jean-Philippe Mateta: The state of play (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Palace will do everything in their power to avoid losing one of their most valuable assets for nothing next year, especially as they prepare to do so with coveted skipper Marc Guehi, who will leave as a free agent at the end of the season unless they facilitate his exit this month.Mateta, like Guehi, quickly became one of Oliver Glasner’s most trusted lieutenants when the Austrian took the reins in February 2024, making it no surprise the board have been actively working on a bumper contract over the last few months.The 28-year-old has returned 45 goals and nine assists in the five-and-a-half seasons he’s plied his trade in the English top flight.His most prolific campaign came in 2023/2024, when he netted 16 times and created a further six goals in 35 appearances. So far this term, Mateta has found the back of the net in seven of his 17 matches played.Is Mateta a necessity at Old Trafford?(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)Yet, in the winter window, a centre-forward is not thought to be United’s priority. If any arrivals are sanctioned from now until February 2, fans are anticipating there’ll be at least one midfielder to bolster Ruben Amorim’s ranks – especially if Kobbie Mainoo departs on loan.United are, of course, only playing one game a week in 2025/2026, so there’s little need to shell out the big bucks on signings that aren’t deemed absolutely essential.