Man Utd target surprise DOUBLE DEAL amid transfer woes

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 7 Feb 2025 05:53 CST
• 3 min read

Manchester United are reportedly hoping to sign Crystal Palace duo Adam Wharton and Jean-Philippe Mateta during the 2025 summer transfer window.

The Red Devils were only able to add Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven to their ranks during the January transfer window and Ruben Amorim is hoping to purchase a central midfielder and a striker this summer.

Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen have both been tipped to secure an Old Trafford switch later this year, but Man Utd are also eyeing a move for Palace star Mateta, as per TBR Football.

READ MORE: Romano announces new contract that changes everything for Man Utd

The Frenchman has scored 10 goals in 22 Premier League games so far this season and he is reportedly viewed as a potential transfer target amid Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee’s recent woes.

In addition, Spanish outlet Fichajes have claimed that Man Utd are also interested in signing Wharton, although Crystal Palace currently value the 21-year-old at a whopping €80 million, which could prove to be a stumbling block for the Red Devils.

READ MORE: Arsenal and Man Utd handed MAJOR Viktor Gyokeres boost

Man Utd told to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta

News of Man Utd’s interest in Mateta comes after Arsenal legend Paul Merson urged the Red Devils to pursue a move for the Crystal Palace star.

Mateta scored a brace against Amorim’s side last weekend and following his performance at Old Trafford, Merson insisted that he would be the perfect signing for Man Utd.

“Man United should go and get the lad who played yesterday - Mateta at Palace. That’s what they need,” he told Sky Sports.

“They need a big, strong lad up front, who’s playing at the top of his game. He leads the line, he’s a handful, he’s scoring goals now. He runs, he works his socks off as hard as any other player 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.”