Crystal Palace are keen to make Jean-Philippe Matteta’s loan permanent.
The French striker, who is a year on an 18-month loan from German side Mainz, has bolstered his performances in recent weeks to win over Patrick Vieira.
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Matteta’s future at Selhurst Park looked bleak after he was used sparingly by Roy Hodgson in the second half of last season.
And then the successor Vieira at the start of the current campaign.
At one point, Mateta also seemed close to reducing his loan and moving back to France with Saint-tienne.
But the 24-year-old has impressed over the festive period with goals against Norwich and Millwall in the FA Cup.
Matteta has featured in all of Palace’s last six matches and Vieira now wants to keep him.
SunSport understands a deal has yet to be agreed as Palace try to negotiate Mainz’s desired fee of around £14m.
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Vieira said of Mateta earlier this month: “Whenever the team needed him to perform, he gave his best. He was rewarded with two goals scored by him.
“He’s there, he’s with us, part of the team and the team. He’s available as anyone else. After I make the decision.”
“But he’s doing a really good job every day and making it really difficult for me to pick the players up front.”
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