Crystal Palace eye PSG striker to replace Eintracht Frankfurt target Jean-Philippe Mateta
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Crystal Palace could move for PSG striker Hugo Ekitike Hugo as a replacement for Eintracht Frankfurt target Jean-Philippe Mateta in January. LondonWorld understands that Eintracht Frankfurt have identified Mateta as the long-term replacement for Randal Kolo Muani who was sold to PSG in the summer.
In July, the Eagles turned down a loan offer and €8million bid from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, partly due to a lack of alternatives and the sudden exit of Wilfried Zaha which left the club's forward line short.
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Hide AdMateta reminded everyone of his qualities when he scored a hat-trick against Plymouth but he's since provided only three assists in the first 11 games he's played in the Premier League so far this season.
Before joining Palace, the French forward scored 24 goals in 67 Bundesliga appearances for Mainz but he has only managed 15 Premier League goals in 150 appearances for the Eagles.
Palace are also aware that midfielder Eberechi Eze is injured while Michael Olise is only returning from an injury that kept him out for almost four months.
Jordan Ayew will be leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations and there will be a shortage on the attacking front so any exit will have to be met with a signing, as Hodgson's side aim to maintain their Premier League status.
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Hide AdOdsonne Edouard is going about his business in a quiet manner having scored the goals that earned Palace a point against West Ham.
He's bagged six goals so far and his manager Roy Hodgson says he couldn't be more happy for him. He told reporters ahead of the game against Bournemouth tonight:
“He has scored some goals this year, which was important [and] he was quite consistent actually in the final 10 games of last season when I came back to the club.
“But the thing is for forwards if they score goals, they are getting more confidence. They feel better about themselves and most importantly of all, they may escape that sort of criticism that’s going to come their way if they’re playing regularly and not scoring goals.
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Hide Ad"I’m pleased for him. I’m pleased for the team, but we think he’s got the ability to give us a lot more than that.”
Palace take on Bournemouth tonight hoping for only their second win at Selhurst Park this season.
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