According to Sky Sports, Crystal Palace are in talks with Mainz 05 over a deal for Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has also been linked to Tottenham.
Sky Sports state that Roy Hodgson’s men are in discussions over an initial loan deal worth €3 million (£2.7 million).
Then, if Mateta starts 15 Premier League games, the Eagles will be obligated to buy the striker permanently for €15 million (£13.4 million).
In our view, that sounds like a well-structured deal for the south Londoners, who Sky Sports also said have a long-standing interest in the 23-year-old.
It gives Hodgson plenty of time to examine the forward, and if he hasn’t impressed in under 15 Premier League starts, then Palace can decide not to start him until they’re forced to buy him.
Italian news outlet Calciomercato revealed at the end of November that Tottenham were keen on the Frenchman, who isn’t short of confidence.
Why do we say that?
Well, Mateta once compared himself to the iconic Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimović, which is a pretty bold thing to do.
The Bundesliga’s official website quote him as saying: “I watched him play when I was younger and I said ‘I want to play like that’. I’m a similar size to him, and I play in a similar style.”
At least his statistics this season back up his admirable confidence.
In 15 Bundesliga outings this season, Mateta has scored seven goals.
The Mainz 05 No.9 also has three DFB-Pokal goals in just two appearances this term.
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