Manchester United are likely to move on to recruiting a striker next after their quest for two attacking midfielders gets completed.
Matheus Cunha’s arrival has already been confirmed, while Bryan Mbeumo is likely to be the next arrival, with the Red Devils open to accepting his wage demands.
Liam Delap was supposed to be the striker INEOS were keen to recruit, but the ex-Ipswich Town ace chose to sign for Chelsea instead.
United have kept a B list of striker targets ready which includes the likes of Moise Kean, Lorenzo Lucca and Randal Kolo Muani. But the co-owners prefer a Premier League-proven No.9.
Jean-Philippe Mateta chase
Which is why the 20-time English league champions were looking at Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace with the Frenchman’s deal at Selhurst Park ending next year.
The London side were reportedly open to his exit for €30 million but now, The Daily Mail have revealed that might no longer be the case.
The 27-year-old is looking to stay and play in the Europa League after the Eagles qualified for Europe for the first-time ever following their stunning FA Cup success.
“Crystal Palace Jean-Philippe Mateta, who struck twice in the Eagles’ win at Old Trafford this season, has been on United’s radar for some time but he is leaning towards staying at the south London club to help them in their first ever European campaign.”
Whether this means he will agree a new deal with Palace or whether they will allow the striker to leave on a free next summer is still not clear.
Jean-Philippe Mateta looking to stay and play in Europe
This likely means United will need to get back to the drawing board with regards to their chase for the perfect striker.
There is talk of a deal for Goncalo Ramos, who has struggled at Paris Saint-Germain, with Ruben Amorim knowing him well from his Benfica stint.
Both Cunha and Mbeumo can play up front if needed while Joshua Zirkzee, who is expected to stay despite interest from Italy, can also play there.
Rasmus Hojlund is unlikely to stick around at Old Trafford for the upcoming season with Real Madrid joining Inter Milan, while United have also offered his services to other clubs in the Serie A and La Liga.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
