Crystal Palace approach Leeds United to sign possible Jean-Philippe Mateta replacement
Crystal Palace may be about to turn to Leeds United in order to help fill the void left by Jean-Philippe Mateta’s likely exit.
Mateta is reported to have asked Palace to leave Selhurst Park before the winter transfer window closes on 2 February.
That comes on the back of Marc Guehi joining Manchester City and manager Oliver Glasner confirming he is leaving in the summer.
Leeds are already engaged in a transfer battle with Palace for defender Jayden Oosterwolde, but the two sides may be about to engage in business of their own.
Crystal Palace reach out over Joel Piroe transfer
While there is plenty of uncertainty at Crystal Palace, things are far more stable at Elland Road right now.
That is not to say first-team players will not depart between now and the end of the window, however, with a particular question mark hanging over Joel Piroe.
Leeds are in an “awkward” position when it comes to Piroe, as they do not want to sell the player, and he does not necessarily want to move, but an exit may make sense.
The Whites have Profit and Sustainability issues to contend with, so it is vital they play their cards right in terms of balancing the books.
Piroe has been linked with a move to Celtic, while Championship clubs such as Birmingham City and Stoke City have been credited with an interest.
However, Sky Sports reported on Thursday that there is also Premier League interest in Piroe from Palace.
It is claimed that the Eagles have already made an enquiry and this is now “one to watch” due to the uncertainty regarding Mateta’s future in South London.
Should Mateta indeed move on over the next fortnight, it may well be that Palace see Piroe as an easy option to go for as a replacement.
Leeds and Crystal Palace involved in ironic transfer saga
Palace have also been linked with Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen to fill in for Mateta if he goes.
Strand Larsen is also on Leeds’ radar, which makes for a rather ironic transfer tussle when you also add Piroe into the mix.
There could be a scenario in which Mateta leaves Palace, who in turn sign Piroe from Leeds, who use the money to go for Eagles target Strand Larsen.
| Piroe | Mateta | |
| Games | 10 | 22 |
| Mins | 203 | 1,830 |
| Goals | 0 | 8 |
| Assists | 0 | 0 |
Exactly who would be getting the better of that bargain is another matter, with Piroe’s lack of minutes this season meaning any sort of like-for-like comparison is unfair.
Ultimately, if the window shuts tomorrow and Piroe remains a Leeds player, nobody at Elland Road will be complaining.
It may well be that this is one that only truly ramps up once the future of Mateta himself becomes a little clearer.
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