Fabrizio Romano confirms potential transfer twist in Crystal Palace and Man Utd negotiations

Crystal Palace are bracing themselves for a summer of transfer interest in several key first team players with striker Jean-Phillipe Mateta thought to be admired by Premier League rivals including Manchester United.

Last week it was claimed that the Red Devils could offer the Eagles misfiring striker Rasmus Hojlund, as well as cash, in a bid to bring the Frenchman to Old Trafford. Hojlund, who was signed by Manchester United for £72 million in 2023, could provide a ready-made replacement for Mateta.

There are, of course, questions over Hojlund’s ability in front of goal, which could put off Crystal Palace. The player has bagged just three goals in 26 Premier League appearances this season but that doesn’t seem to have put off suitors from abroad.

Fabrizio Romano provides update on Man Utd man linked with Crystal Palace

In an update issued via the GiveMeSport newsletter on Friday, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano was asked if Manchester United would sell both Hojlund and goalkeeper Andre Onana: “I'd keep both situations open. Italian clubs are keen on signing Hojlund, but Man United have not given any indication of price/availability yet so we need to wait.”

That interest could put end to talk of a swap deal and leave Manchester United looking for another way to woo Crystal Palace into selling Mateta, who has 13 Premier League goals this season. The Romano quote comes as Fichajes claim that Juventus are considering a swoop for Hojlund with the Serie A outfit ‘very close’ to the player’s situation with a £52 million fee touted.

Previously, when speaking about Hojlund’s predicament in February, Romano told his YouTube channel: “I’m told that clubs are starting to reach out, with Manchester United, people close to Rasmus Hojlund, to understand his availability. There is interest in Rasmus Hojlund and there could be movement if Man United, as we expect, will bring in an important striker in the summer.

“Let’s see what happens with Hojlund because there are clubs really interested, and in terms of money, in case they receive a good proposal, for Man United it could be an opportunity. Hojlund is going to be one to watch in the summer transfer window with interest from several countries, including Italy.”

Man Utd told to swoop for Crystal Palace bagsman

Former Arsenal star and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson had underlined how good a signing Mateta would be Manchester United. Speaking on Deadline Day, he said: “Man United should get Mateta, that’s what they need.

“He’s a strong lad up front, playing at the top of his game, he leads the line, scoring goals now. He runs and works his socks off harder than anyone you know. But they won’t because he plays for Palace. And everyone would go: “what are you buying him for?”

“But he’s 100 times better than anyone Man Utd have in the front line. Not Amad, he’s a young kid – but he’s much better than Hojlund and Zirkzee at the moment. And Man Utd are playing Mainoo up front. If you’re one of those two centre forwards, I would say: I might as well go out on loan and play for Exeter this month.”

In other news, here’s your final Crystal Palace v Man City team news with 10 ruled out and one doubt.