Man Utd eyeing shock deal for French striker

Manchester United are one of the clubs interested in signing Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta this summer, according to L'Equipe.

The Red Devils are expected to pursue a new centre-forward this summer amid the struggles of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee this campaign.

Hojlund and Zirkzee have netted just seven league goals between them and the club need an upgrade to compete for European football next term.

L'Equipe today claim that the club are weighing up an approach for Mateta, who has bagged 17 goals from 44 appearances for Palace this campaign.

The Frenchman's current deal expires in June next year and he is open to pursuing a bigger challenge away from the Eagles in the coming weeks.

United are not in Europe next season but they should still remain a lucrative destination for an elite striker. Mateta could be tempted to join them.

Palace are likely to demand at least £40 million for his services. Mateta has also been linked with a possible return to the Bundesliga of late.