Manchester United are interested in signing Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to reports in France.

L’Equipe claim that the Red Devils have “positioned themselves” to sign the 27-year-old ahead of other teams.

Mateta has been in impressive form for Palace this season, having scored 17 goals in 45 appearances.

The forward is also closing in on the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park so he could be available for a relatively low fee.

Considering United need to rein in their spending after failing to secure Champions League qualification, an approach for a player like Mateta does seem logical.

Mateta has yet to make up his mind on his future

L’Equipe report that the Frenchman is still weighing up his options. He harbours ambitions of playing for his country in the next World Cup which takes place in just over a year.

Mateta will have to decide whether to remain with the Eagles and hope his performances in both the Premier League and Europa League impress national team boss Didier Deschamps or he could consider a transfer elsewhere.

A club in the Champions League would probably be his preference or he could take a risk and move to Old Trafford.

Shearer is a big fan of the United target

Speaking during the BBC’s coverage of Palace’s FA Cup semi-final win against Aston Villa last month, the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer Alan Shearer lavished praise on the striker:

“Jean-Philippe Mateta is a nightmare to play against. He’s doing his job superbly well. He’s working hard and not giving the defenders a second to settle on the ball.”

Mateta is likely to be just one of several forwards that United are looking at ahead of the summer transfer window. The club are also exploring a deal to bring in Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.

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