Mainz sporting director Rouven Schroder claims interest in reported Crystal Palace target Jean-Philippe Mateta has waned ahead of the deadline, Kicker report.
The French striker has been linked with a move to the Premier League this past summer.
Last month reports from Sky Germany, relayed by Fussball.News, claimed both Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton and Hove Albion had him on their radar.
But it seems it was Palace who pushed the most for Mateta’s signature.
The Guardian reported in August how the Eagles saw a £14 million bid knocked back.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the October 5 deadline, Schroder says there are currently no signs pointing to Mateta potentially departing the Bundesliga club.
“At the moment there are no signs that Mateta is leaving the club. Real movement in the market, including in our squad [incomings]. The last few days will be really exciting again,” Schroder explained.
Palace were the second lowest scorers in the Premier League last season. Added creativity and a new striker seemingly topped Roy Hodgson’s transfer list.
The Eagles managed to beat the competition to the signing of Eberechi Eze.
But aside from the arrival of Michy Batshuayi on loan from Chelsea, a player they also loaned in 2018-19, Palace still haven’t managed to bring in that elusive goal scorer.
Mateta, 23, stands at 6ft 4inch. He is a powerful centre-forward, scoring 18 goals in 53 games for Mainz following a 20-goal campaign for Le Havre in 2017-18.
Palace may feel their positive start to the new campaign warrants sticking with what they have, though an injury to Batshuayi could leave them in a vulnerable spot.
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