Juventus have stepped up their chase for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta after talks were held with his representatives on Friday.
Daily Mail Sport reported earlier this week how the Italian side had targeted the France international as someone who could replace Dusan Vlahovic whose contract is up in the summer.
Palace have been preparing for Mateta to depart after they offered him new terms in the summer and initially there was optimism he would agree. However, further talks left them some distance apart.
The 28-year-old has 18 months left on contract and is known to fancy another challenge abroad.
Premier League clubs have made tentative contact over recent months but it is Juve who have stepped forward.
Key though is their ability to meet Palace’s valuation. The likelihood is they will offer a loan with obligation at best.
Juventus have stepped up their chase for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta
Crystal Palace need a centre back to replace Marc Guehi, who is off to Manchester City, while their manager Oliver Glasner has also revealed he will leave the club at the end of the season
Palace boss Oliver Glasner admitted on Friday: ‘There will be a price where Crystal Palace say “18 months left in his contract, we do the deal if JP wants”. If nobody pays this price, then JP will stay.’
Palace have looked at Jorgen Strand Larsen of Wolves, Joaquín Panichelli of Strasbourg and are working on a deal for Angers’ Sidiki Cherif as they scramble to bolster attacking options.
They need a centre back to replace Marc Guehi and know clubs are circling round midfielder Adam Wharton for the summer too.
