Manchester United receive a transfer boost after a Premier League rival makes preparations in case their star striker leaves – and the Red Devils could take advantage
Crystal Palace are lining up a move for Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha as they prepare for the potential of Jean-Philippe Mateta being sold this summer. The Eagles forward has been linked with a transfer to Manchester United, amid the struggles of the Red Devils’ failing forward line.
Dutch forward Emegha has scored 14 goals and provided three assists this season as Strasbourg challenge for a plac in Europe. They sit sixth in Ligue 1 but level on points with Nice in fourth under the guidance of Liam Rosenior.
The 22-year-old has already seen interest arrive from Chelsea, whose BlueCo owners also control the French team. But that does not appear to have peturbed the Eagles as they make their preparations, with Strasbourg eyeing £30million for their star.
Palace are reported to be willing to spend big if they find themselves in the position of needing to replace their star forward. Mateta has two years remaining on his current contract and could be tempted to depart if Champions League football is on offer.
Manchester United are among the chief contenders for his signature and can qualify for Europe’s premier competition with victory in the Europa League final. The Frenchman will not come cheap if hee is to exit Selhurst Park.
READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd earn Rashford boost, Alexander-Arnold fee, Arsenal contract talksREAD MORE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s stance on sacking Ruben Amorim after brutal Man Utd admission
The Red Devils have been told it will cost them £40m to sign Mateta. The Reds have already opened talks about taking the 27-year-old to Old Trafford in the summer and Palace will demand full value for their forward.
United’s financial position means the club may have to generate cash from player sales if they hope to add significantly to Ruben Amorim’s squad. And only four members of their squad may be spared uncertainty.
United are said to be willing to sell ‘most members’ of the current squad. As a result, only captain Bruno Fernandes, defender Harry Maguire, young attacker Amad and January signing Patrick Dorgu are ‘immune’ from the fire sale.
That means, if the price is right, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee could all be sold in this summer’s window.
Amorim has already called on the club to be brave in the summer after admitting his embarrassment. “How a manager of Manchester United is supposed to feel in that position: embarrassed and it’s hard to accept.
“Everybody has to think seriously about a lot of things here. We need to be really strong in the summer and be brave.
“We are losing the feeling of we are a massive club and it’s the end of the world to lose a game at home. I think that is the biggest concern in our club.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports’ discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes more than 1,000 live matches each season across the Premier League, EFL and more.
