Chelsea stance on signing Jean-Philippe Mateta

Chelsea have a clear stance on signing Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta ahead of the winter transfer window.

The Blues signed Danny Welbeck for the back-up role behind Joao Pedro last summer, and he has already made valuable contributions.

Welbeck has been used sparingly in the Premier League when Pedro has been injured, and the Blues are content with his performances.

Mateta was considered as a possible solution for the Blues in the past, but the hierarchy have no plans to make a winter offer for him.

The Frenchman is still expected to leave the Eagles, considering he has no desire of penning a new contract beyond June next year.

Palace also prefer his cut-price sale rather than losing him on a free transfer. Manchester United are said to be Mateta's preferred club.

United could be tempted to make an offer for his services, considering Benjamin Sesko's injury woes and Joshua Zirkzee's struggles.

Zirkzee could be sold if Mateta were to join United.