Everton and Newcastle United are reportedly keen on Jean-Philippe Mateta.
According to L’Equipe, as relayed by Get French Football News, Mainz have rejected bids from Everton and Newcastle United for striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Mateta, 21, was in the Lyon ranks for just two years having joined from Chateauroux in 2016, but moved on in 2018 after a 20-goal loan spell at Le Havre.
The Frenchman joined Mainz in the Bundesliga last summer, and finished his first season in Germany with 14 goals in 34 games, which has seemingly sparked interest in his services.
L’Equipe report that Mainz have now rejected five bids for Mateta, coming from Cardiff City, Everton, Newcastle United, Southampton and Watford, with all valued somewhere between €20million and €25million (£17.8million and £22.25million).
Mainz would allegedly sell for somewhere in the region of €35million to €40million (£31million and £35.6million), meaning those interested clubs have some way to go before they can secure a deal.
Mateta stands at a huge 6ft 4in tall, and possesses both great strength, aerial ability and a turn of pace, meaning he may well fit as an alternative to Salomon Rondon at Newcastle.
It’s a surprise to see Newcastle moving with Rafael Benitez’s future still unclear, but with Everton and Southampton clearly in the market for a new centre forward, their moves make sense.
Whether any of the clubs return with a new move remains to be seen, but the Frenchman could already be on the move yet again after a nomadic start to his career.
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