Aston Villa make approach for rival Premier League striker - with interest in Portugal star

Villa have seen an offer for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta rebuffed.

The approach is believed to be well below the Eagles’ asking price for the experienced France international.

Mateta, 29, has emerged as the latest target as Villa look to make a late-window move to address the forward line situation given the ongoing uncertainty around Ollie Watkins’ future.

Watkins did not feature in Sunday’s 4-0 defeat at Brighton amid a desired move to Saudi Arabia but is said to have subsequently returned to training and apologised to team-mates.

Al Hilal’s most recent offer for wantaway frontman Watkins was £45million.

Mateta is on the shortlist as a potential replacement in Unai Emery’s squad, as well as AC Milan star Rafael Leao.

Portugal international Leao, 27, is admired by Villa. The 49-cap wide forward featured for his country in the World Cup and has been with Milan since 2019.

Villa are understood to have made enquiries about his availability. It is reported the Rossineri are looked for around £42m for Leao’s signature.

Mateta, meanwhile, has been close to the Crystal Palace exit door before, but a move to the San Siro to join AC Milan collapsed at the 11th hour due to concerns over a knee injury in January.

The Frenchman remained with Palace and starred as the Eagles claimed the Conference League title, with Mateta the match-winning hero.

Mateta has 62 goals in 202 games for Palace, who he joined in January 2021 from Mainz.