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nottingham forest Potential blow hit in pursuit of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Matata The latest news involving AC Milan has been revealed.
Forest are believed to be closing in on signing Matata after holding extensive talks with Crystal Palace over the France international striker, with previous reports claiming the move was “very close” sufficient market.
Forest initially made an offer of £35m for the 28-year-old striker earlier this week, below Crystal Palace’s £40m valuation.
However, subsequent developments accelerated dramatically Crystal Palace reach agreement in principle with Wolves for Norwegian striker Jurgen Strand-Larssen The deal is reportedly worth £50m and includes add-ons multiple reports.
The Hawks are about to acquire Strand Larson, creating the perfect conditions for Matta to leave.
The France striker has said he hopes to leave Selhurst Park this month and has asked Crystal Palace to formally sanction a move in January.
Personal terms with the forest do not constitute an obstacleMatata is reportedly keen to secure European football through the City Stadium side’s Europa League.
Crystal Palace’s willingness to negotiate is partly due to the arrival of Strand Larsson, but it is also necessary.
The club have already sold captain Mark Ghey to Manchester City for £20m in this window and are under pressure to balance the books while refreshing their attacking options.
Given the tensions between Forest and Palace, the move has significant intrigue.
Forest reported Crystal Palace’s financial problems in the Europa League to UEFA last summer. The ensuing investigation ultimately resulted in Palace being disqualified from Europe, with Forest inheriting their qualification.
Juventus and AC Milan have also been monitoring Matata’s situation, but the Serie A club has been unable to match Forest’s bid due to financial constraints.
However, Sky Switzerland’s Sacha Tavoleri reported today that the Rossoneri could still sign the 28-year-old right under Forest’s noses.
Nottingham Forest deal blow to Mata as AC Milan re-enters competition
Milan are “ready to hijack” Forest’s move for Mateta and are even confident they can beat Forest, according to Tavoleri Sean DycheThe side that punched before Monday.
Even after signing Lorenzo Luka from Napoli, Dyche is in desperate need of another striker to reinforce his side.
Chris Wood’s long-term knee injury since October has curtailed their attacking options.
The New Zealand international scored 20 goals last season but has been out of action for four months and may not return until the end of the season, forcing Dyche to rely heavily on Igor Jesus and Luka.
Matata represents the proven Premier League Quality that the forest desperately needs.
He scored 17 goals in all competitions last season and 10 this season, proving his ability at this level – something Forest’s current options cannot guarantee.
Losing him to Milan would force Dyche back on the market ahead of Monday’s deadline, so winning over Mata is likely to prove season-defining in the relegation battle with West Ham.
