Jean-Philippe Mateta is keen on a January move to Manchester United, according to talkSPORT. The Crystal Palace striker’s contract expires in the summer of 2027, and the report says he has shown little interest in renewing it.

Palace could decide to cash in during the winter window.

TEAMtalk also reports that United is considering at least one attacking addition in January, with Mateta and Palace teammate Ismaila Sarr among the names being assessed. The two players would offer different options across the forward line.

Michael Carrick has already said he wants to strengthen in January. Benjamin Sesko was among the players missing through injury for United’s recent trip to Atletico Madrid, underlining the squad-depth concerns facing the manager during a season that also includes Champions League football.

United spent the summer rebuilding its midfield, bringing in Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Rasmus Hojlund’s move to Napoli reduced its center-forward options, leaving Carrick with another position to address when the market reopens.

The Frenchman came close to leaving Palace for AC Milan in January, but the transfer collapsed after a medical revealed damage to the meniscus in his knee. He later said he was grateful the examination had identified the issue, allowing him to address it before returning to action with Palace in March.

He went on to score the winner against Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final and finished the 2025-26 campaign with 16 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions. Only Sarr scored more goals for Palace that season.

Palace signed Jorgen Strand Larsen during the same January window. Pierre Sage has since been able to turn to the Norwegian and Eddie Nketiah during Mateta’s absence, with Strand Larsen scoring twice and providing an assist in the 3-0 win against Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup last month.