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Manchester United has maintained a longstanding interest in Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. While the club is not urgently seeking a new forward in the current transfer window, Mateta could become a more viable target should he become available. The France international will enter the final year of his contract in July, and there was notable interest from various clubs last summer.
Crystal Palace reportedly rejected bids worth up to £50 million for Mateta from Champions League clubs during the last transfer window. Additionally, Tottenham Hotspur made a late inquiry about the player before securing Randal Kolo Muani on loan from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day. Other top European clubs, including Atalanta, AC Milan, Juventus, and several Premier League sides, have also been linked with moves for the 28-year-old striker.
United's primary transfer focus for the upcoming summer window is on securing a new defensive midfielder. However, the club is also exploring options in the center-back position. Sky Sports News can reveal that Manchester United is one of several clubs monitoring Stade Rennes central defender Jeremy Jacquet. The 20-year-old has attracted interest from multiple clubs, though a January move seems unlikely. Should other clubs make significant offers for Jacquet this month, discussions could be expedited.
The France U21 international signed a contract extension with Rennes until 2029, despite Palace's strong interest in him last summer. Rennes had expressed a desire to retain Jacquet for at least the 2025-26 season.
Meanwhile, Manchester United is contemplating the sale of young winger Sam Mather to Turkish club Kayserispor. Kayserispor has been eager to sign the academy product since the summer transfer window but ran out of time to finalize a deal. A formal offer has now been submitted, and United is evaluating the bid. Mather, an England youth international, was part of the United side that won the FA Youth Cup in 2022, alongside players like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. Injuries have hindered his development, and he has gained senior experience during loan spells at Rochdale and Tranmere
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