Jean-Philippe Mateta would be keen on a move to Manchester United in January, sources have told talkSPORT.

Crystal Palace could be forced to cash in on Mateta mid-season with the Frenchman showing no inclination to extend his contract, which expires in the summer.

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Man United have considered Mateta in the past and the 29-year-old is one of the more viable options if they decide to bring in another striker.

Benjamin Sesko’s ongoing injury absence means Michael Carrick has been having to play without a recognised No.9.

There is said to be an acceptance among the United hierarchy they could have done more to address that lack of squad depth in the summer transfer window.

Mateta has played just 92 Premier League minutes this season due to a hamstring injury.

Chelsea star admired by rivals to get new deal

Chelsea are set to hand defender Josh Acheampong a bumper new contract.

Acheampong, 20, has featured in six of Chelsea’s seven Premier League games this season.

The Blues rejected offers from clubs in England and Europe in the summer after declaring the England Under-21 star ‘untouchable’.

Sources have told talkSPORT Manchester United were among the clubs who made enquiries for Acheampong.

His current deal expires in 2029, but he is expected to be the next player to be offered the chance to commit his long-term future to Stamford Bridge.

If a deal is agreed, Acheampong would follow in the footsteps of Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo who recently penned new deals with the Blues.

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Big clubs on alert over in-form Brighton star

Brighton may have started the season in tremendous form, but doubts remain over the future of one of their star players.

Yasin Ayari produced another stellar performance as the Seagulls thrashed arch-rivals Crystal Palace 5-0 on Sunday.

Only Barcelona have scored more goals than Fabian Hurzeler’s men in the top five major European leagues.

However, Ayari is out of contract at the end of the season and there are fears he will not sign a new deal.

That has put the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal on alert while Italian giants AC Milan are also said to be fans of the 23-year-old playmaker.

Brighton do have the option of an extra year on Ayari’s deal, which would at least increase his value in the transfer market.

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New Toon Massiah cometh?

Newcastle are monitoring Ghanaian teenager Dyeidu Massiah, talkSPORT understands.

Massiah is on the radar of a number of top European sides after starring for UAE side Forte Virtus.

The 19-year-old forward has scored four goals in his first five games after joining the Middle Eastern side in July.

Massiah fits Newcastle's business model of investing in up-and-coming young players.