Everton wanted Jean-Philippe Mateta before the transfer deadline but were put off by Crystal Palace’s £15million demands.
That’s according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, who claims that Everton came forward with interest in Mateta on multiple occasions in January.
Everton allegedly came on strong for Mateta near the deadline but were looking to take Mateta on loan.
Palace didn’t want to loan Mateta out without securing a replacement and were only willing to sell for around £15million.
Everton just wouldn’t pay that price so Mateta has stayed put at Selhurst Park as the transfer deadline passed.
Whether Everton go back in for Mateta this summer remains to be seen but Mateta must now push for regular starts at Palace.
Everton target Jean-Philippe Mateta may be in last chance saloon at Palace
Mateta finds himself entering a crucial six months.
The French striker was hailed as a ‘massive player’ by Patrick Vieira towards the end of last season.
Yet Mateta has started just three Premier League games this season, coming off the bench 14 times.
Mateta has scored just once this season and even with Palace struggling to find the net, he isn’t being called upon regularly.
Palace signed Mateta permanently from Mainz last summer after six goals in 29 Premier League games over an 18-month loan spell.
Right now though, it just isn’t working for Mateta at Palace and the 25-year-old could be on the chopping block this summer.
It sounds like Palace were willing to sell and even a loan deal could have been on the cards if Vieira had more time to replace him.
Everton can’t afford to commit more money to strikers who don’t find the net though after signing Mateta’s compatriot Neal Maupay last summer.
A short-term deal could have made sense for Everton but we think the Toffees should shut the door on this pursuit and look elsewhere for a new hitman.
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