Ex-PL scout: Newcastle want to sign Crystal Palace ace who's 'getting back to his best' - He's keen to move
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(Credit: Imago) Jean-Philippe Mateta: Newcastle plot move to sign Crystal Palace hero – ‘He’s keen to move on’ Wed 15 April 2026 7:00, UK Jean-Philippe Mateta is widely expected to leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season and Newcastle United are the latest club to consider a move.The 28-year-old scored twice as Palace came from behind to beat Eddie Howe’s side at the weekend, but could make the switch to the North East this summer.Since returning to Oliver Glasner’s side, the France international has scored three goals in two games in the 3-0 win against Fiorentina and 2-1 win against Newcastle.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Mateta is one of a number of strikers Howe is eyeing to improve his squad this summer.While it has been suggested that staying at Selhurst Park would be his best options, Mateta is likely to leave Crystal Palace, and could be part of Newcastle’s transfer plans. 🔄 Newcastle Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signings, departures, and contract news from the Newcastle United boardroom. VISIT THE NEWCASTLE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Brown told Football Insider in February that Newcastle are big admirers of Mateta and view him as a potential option to solve their striker problems.His brace against the Magpies on Sunday will have done his chances of a move little harm, although they are far from the only interested club.Jean-Philippe Mateta2025-26 StatsAppearances39Starts33Minutes Played2895Goals13Assists2Jean-Philippe Mateta’s stats for Crystal Palace in 2025-26.
(via Transfermarkt)AC Milan saw a move for the forward fall through on deadline day during the winter, while a number of rival Italian and Premier League clubs are keeping close tabs.“Newcastle want to sign a new striker, that’s become clear,” Brown told Football Insider.“Who that’s going to be, there are a few options, and they could certainly do worse than signing Mateta after what he’s done at Crystal Palace.“Another couple of goals at the weekend and one in Europe, he looks like he’s getting back to his best despite everything that happened in January.“I’ve said it before, I think he’s perfect for Crystal Palace and they’re perfect for him, but at the end of the day he seems to be keen to move on.“He’s proved he can score goals in the Premier League over a number of seasons now, and Newcastle have been keeping tabs on his situation.“If he’s going to be available at the end of the season, he could well be somebody they go for. “I don’t think he’s going to transform them into a top side, but he would be a better option than the ones they’ve got at their disposal now.”Which other strikers are on Newcastle’s radar?Mateta is not the only striker being linked with a move to Newcastle this summer, as they continue to keep tabs on a number of options in that position.Dominic Solanke has emerged among their potential targets, with the striker’s future at Tottenham still uncertain after what has been a miserable season.Credit: ImagoFootball Insider revealed last month that Tottenham could accept offers for Solanke if they drop into the Championship, placing Newcastle on alert.Roberto De Zerbi’s side dropped into the relegation zone over the weekend after a 1-0 defeat away at Sunderland, putting them firmly in trouble.Should they prove unable to turn their form around in the final six games of the season, clubs including Newcastle will be put on alert over their players’ availability.
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