Crystal Palace ready to sanctioning a permanent departure for 28-year-old forward if £35million bid is met by Villa

Crystal Palace are reportedly open to sanctioning a permanent departure for Jean-Philippe Mateta this month if a bid worth £35million arrives.

Mateta has submitted a transfer request at Palace, as the striker attempts to secure a move away from Selhurst Park.

The 28-year-old has attracted interest from the likes of Aston Villa, Juventus and Man United this month, with just 18 months remaining on his contract.

Villa are the favourites to sign Mateta, however, as Unai Emery attempts to bolster his side’s forward line ahead of the second half of the season.

Juventus have reportedly turned their attentions away from Mateta, with the finances involved too much for the Serie A giants.

Aston Villa learn Jean-Philippe Mateta asking price

Mateta featured on Sunday as Palace lost 3-1 to Chelsea at Selhurst Park, but there is no secret about the striker’s desire to leave.

Villa appear to be the front-runners, although it is not clear whether the imminent arrival of Tammy Abraham would affect the deal.

The 28-year-old is expected to join from Besiktas, and could be joined by Mateta after Villa sold Donyell Malen to Roma.

Sky Sports reported on Monday that Palace are willing to sanction Mateta’s departure if their £35m valuation is met, and if they can find a suitable replacement.

The Eagles are unwilling to entertain any loan options unless there is a permanent element attached, and one not dependent on certain criteria needing to be met.

The stats behind Mateta’s season so far

In the same way Palace’s season has gone, Mateta’s campaign started well but has tailed off massively in recent weeks.

The striker has scored eight goals in 23 Premier League games this season, but his 12 expected goals would suggest that he has not made nearly enough of the chances that have fallen to him.

And while Mateta is always a nuisance for the defenders tasked with marking him, he creates very little for his teammates too.

The Frenchman has created just six chances in the Premier League this season, although he has won 15 fouls, including a penalty.

He’s dominant in the duel, too, winning 94 of them so far this season. Any team willing to pay the money required will know exactly what they are getting with Mateta, and he is not a player to be ignored.