Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is reportedly unlikely to extend his contract with the Eagles and is keen on a summer move to Italy.
The France international had been on the verge of completing a £30m transfer to AC Milan at the end of the January transfer window before the deal collapsed on deadline day.
Issues arising from his medical examination were cited as the reason the move fell through at the last moment, leaving Mateta remaining at Selhurst Park.
AC Milan are now understood to be considering a renewed pursuit of the 28-year-old as his Palace contract enters its final year.
However, the departure of head coach Massimiliano Allegri and several senior figures at San Siro could complicate any potential revival of Milan’s interest.
Nottingham Forest have also maintained their prior interest in the Palace striker, though his preference is reportedly for a move to Italy if he were to leave south London.
Mateta struck 15 goals this season despite dealing with injury problems and the unsavoury saga surrounding his future during the winter transfer window.
He was booed by his own supporters at Selhurst Park in January and reportedly angered some teammates during that turbulent period, before staging a notable resurgence in form.
Thierry Henry has hailed the striker as a “tremendous character,” and his inclusion in a star-studded France squad for the World Cup has only boosted his profile and market value.
Evan Guessand’s loan move from Aston Villa could potentially be made permanent over the summer, which may influence Palace’s willingness to allow Mateta to depart.
With just over a year remaining on his contract, the Eagles could find themselves in a difficult position if the striker pushes firmly for an exit in the coming weeks.
The final decision is likely to come down to the composition of any offers submitted for Mateta, and whether Palace’s hierarchy choose to stand in his way or facilitate a sale.
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