Crystal Palace dealt further blow as Jean-Philippe Mateta holds talks with Champions League contenders

Juventus have held talks with the representatives of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta ahead of a possible January move, talkSPORT understands.

The Serie A Giants have pinpointed Mateta as the perfect replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, who is set to leave the club at the end of his contract in June.

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The Frenchman, who initially joined Palace on loan from Mainz in 2021, is keen on the move after informing the club chiefs that he wanted to explore his options, and in particular, those in Italy.

The striker, whose deal at Selhurst Park ends in 2027, changed his stance after the two parties failed to agree terms on a new contract with the 28-year-old desperate to make France’s World Cup squad.

According to talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook, discussions remain gridlocked after Palace told the striker that they have no intention of paying him what he wants to extend his contract.

Crystal clear

As a result, Juventus are hoping to secure the striker on loan with an option or obligation to buy.

But it is unclear as to whether they can meet Palace’s valuation, as per talkSPORT’s transfer expert Ben Jacobs.

The Old Lady are hoping to tie up a deal quickly with a host of other clubs – including AC Milan – believed to be in the running for the France international.

It is also believed that Mateta has garnered interest from Palace’s fellow Premier League clubs.

Saudi side Al-Shabab, who have shown an interest in Callum Wilson, made an initial enquiry last year, but were swiftly informed that Mateta doesn’t want to move to the Saudi Pro League at this stage of his career.

Juventus’ interest comes as another blow to the Eagles in what has been a punishing 24 hours.

On Friday, Oliver Glasner revealed that captain Marc Guehi was closing in on a move to Manchester City before later confirming that he would be leaving his position as manager at the end of the season.

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On Palace’s terms

However, Palace are unlikely to give up their frontman without finding an adequate replacement first.

The FA Cup holders remain in talks with promising Angers forward Sidiki Cherif, while Palace may even look for an additional striker to cover any void left by Mateta.

Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen has been touted as a possible target, while Strasbourg’s in-form Argentinian hitman Joaquin Panichelli is also believed to be of interest.

Glasner said during his press conference on Friday: “There will be a price where Crystal Palace say, ‘Eight months left in his contract, we do the deal if JP wants’.

“If nobody pays this price, then JP will stay.”

Palace will also be in the market for a new centre-back with Guehi expected to complete a move to the Etihad Stadium in the coming hours.

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In addition, clubs at home and abroad continue to monitor in-demand midfielder Adam Wharton ahead of a potential summer move.

A Crystal Palace side wounded by last weekend’s shock FA Cup exit to Macclesfield and the impending exits of Guehi and Glasner, return to action on Saturday when they travel to Sunderland.