The 29-year-old has been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park in previous transfer windows, with Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United among the clubs reported to have shown interest.
According to talkSPORT, Mateta would be keen on a switch to Old Trafford during the January transfer window. The report also suggests Palace could consider selling him rather than risk losing him without a transfer fee when his current deal expires in the summer of 2027.
Mateta joined Crystal Palace initially on loan from Mainz in January 2021 before making the move permanent. He has since become an important source of goals for the London club, scoring 16 goals and providing three assists in 50 appearances across all competitions last season.
His campaign has been interrupted by injury, however, limiting his involvement so far this term. That lack of availability, combined with uncertainty over a new contract, has added to speculation about whether he will remain at Palace beyond the current season.
Manchester United have been linked with Mateta as they assess their attacking options. A move would give them an experienced Premier League forward, although any transfer would depend on the clubs reaching an agreement and the player’s fitness.
Palace could face a difficult balancing act. Keeping Mateta would preserve an established attacking option for the second half of the campaign, but if he remains unwilling to extend his contract, the club may have to weigh that against the possibility of losing him for nothing next summer.
Mateta has scored twice in seven appearances for France’s senior national team and previously played for clubs including Le Havre and Lyon. His experience in English football could make him an appealing option for United if they decide to pursue a striker in January.
For now, the reported willingness to move represents a potential opening rather than a completed deal. Manchester United’s interest and Palace’s response will determine whether the speculation develops into a formal transfer discussion.