Manchester United will turn to Jean-Philippe Mateta if they fail to qualify for the Champions League | OneFootball

Manchester United’s summer transfer war chest will depend a lot on player sales as well as Champions League qualification.

The Red Devils are 13th in the Premier League, which rules out a European slot via their league placing but Ruben Amorim’s team remain alive in the Europa League and are preparing to take on Olympique Lyonnais in the quarter-final first leg on Thursday.

Both the head coach and Diogo Dalot have spoken of how difficult the match will be and the 20-time English league champions can ill-afford to take the French side lightly given Rayan Cherki‘s form.

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Liam Delap of Ipswich Town have been mentioned as United’s top targets but Champions League qualification will be key to securing their signatures.

CL qualification key

And the team’s indifferent form over the course of the current season has meant INEOS are keeping backup options ready in case things do not go according to plan.

As per Givemesport, Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta has been identified as the perfect alternative owing to his Premier League-proven status while his contract situation means he could be signed for a cut-price fee.

The Frenchman has 16 goals and three assists in all competitions this season, including a brace against Amorim’s side at Old Trafford.

His current deal is valid until 2026 and so far, the Eagles have failed to agree a contract extension with the 27-year-old with the striker hoping to move to a big club in the summer.

Mateta backup option

“Manchester United are continuing to keep tabs on Jean-Philippe Mateta as the Crystal Palace star has been identified as a potential summer acquisition if the Old Trafford recruitment department are unable to win the race for Ipswich Town marksman Liam Delap, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

“Mateta is staying on Manchester United’s shortlist of summer targets as an alternative to Delap, according to GMS sources, as there is an awareness that failing to qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League could have an impact on the amount of money they can spend when the transfer window reopens.

“GMS sources have been told that Manchester United are increasingly confident that Crystal Palace will consider offers for Mateta if they are unable to tie him down to a new contract before the summer transfer window, resulting in them keeping a close eye on his situation at Selhurst Park ahead of potentially pouncing.”

The former FSV Mainz 05 ace has a market value of €30 million and his ability to play with his back to goal would suit Amorim’s style. It will be interesting to see who ultimately signs for the club in the summer.

Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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