Man Utd have made a new striker a “top priority” ahead of the January transfer window, with Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta among the options under consideration, according to reports.

TEAMtalk claim that the Red Devils want to add more firepower up front, especially after Benjamin Sesko’s recent fitness problems.

The Slovenian international has suffered a recurrence of a shin injury that has plagued him since the back end of last season.

Mateta was already on the club’s radar before Sesko’s latest setback, with the recruitment team having looked at him in the summer. A move did not materialise at the time as United were focused on strengthening the midfield.

Palace will have to consider offers for Mateta

The France international has made several attempts to leave Selhurst Park, and he has also been involved in a legal dispute with the Eagles about the final year of his contract.

Mateta will have just six months remaining on his current deal in January, and it will be the last opportunity for the Conference League winners to offload him for a fee before a potential departure on a free transfer next summer.

For that reason, United will be confident of doing a deal for the 29-year-old early in the New Year.

Man Utd could offer a player in exchange

TEAMtalk report that Palace do hold an interest in Joshua Zirkzee, and with the Dutchman not being a key part of Michael Carrick’s plans, he could be used in a swap deal.

Zirkzee himself, though, would have to agree to such a transfer, and he is believed to have suitors in Italy, which he may see as a more attractive proposition, considering the success he had at his previous club, Bologna.

Either way, it looks like Mateta will be on the move in January, with Old Trafford one of his most likely destinations.

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