Crystal Palace lining up "phenomenon" Georgia striker in case Mateta leaves

Crystal Palace are now keen on signing a “phenomenon” forward, and he could be seen as a potential replacement for Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to a recent report.

Parish looking to secure off-field appointments

The Eagles booked their place in the last four of the FA Cup over the weekend, and while matters on the pitch are going well for the South Londoners, Steve Parish is busy off it, looking to secure some key agreements.

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Parish is hoping a key Crystal Palace figure will commit his future to the club.

Palace are still continuing their search to find a replacement for Dougie Freedman, with Kieran Scott, Lee Dykes, and Iain Moody all being linked with the vacant role in recent weeks. Former West Ham sporting director Tim Steidten has also joined the race, with the German believed to be in pole position to join the Premier League side after Oliver Glasner gave his approval.

As well as looking for a new sporting director, Parish is also working hard behind the scenes to agree a new contract with Glasner. Football Insider reports that Palace are progressing in finding an agreement with the Austrian, but Glasner still wants some assurances around the future of some of his key players before committing to a new contract.

The 50-year-old will be in the final year of his deal this summer, and it is reported that he is happy at Selhurst Park despite interest from a Jurgen Klopp-led Red Bull project in Leipzig.

Crystal Palace looking to sign “phenomenon” ahead of West Ham

Another way Palace can confirm their desire to support Glasner is by backing him in the transfer market, and it looks as though they are willing to do just that. According to Caught Offside, Crystal Palace are interested in signing striker Georges Mikautadze from Lyon this summer.

The report states that the Eagles are looking at signing the 24-year-old, as he is believed to be open to a move to the Premier League. However, they are not the only team chasing the striker, as West Ham and Wolves are also keen on securing a deal, with the Hammers making Mikautadze a top target ahead of the summer transfer window.

Mikautadze, who has been dubbed a “phenomenon” by his former manager Emilio Ferrera, joined Lyon last summer and has scored eight goals in Ligue 1. The forward has also netted four times in the Europa League, and the French side will be turning to his aid next week when they come up against Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Mikautadze may also be remembered for his Euro 2024 contribution, as he scored three goals in four games, one coming in the 2-0 win over Portugal in their final group match.

Palace have their eye on the Georgia international as a possible replacement for Mateta, who has been linked with a move to United in recent weeks, with Palace believed to be looking to get £40 million for his services.

It has been reported that Glasner wants Palace to agree to new terms with the striker, but if that can’t happen then a sale could happen this summer, given his deal expires in 2026. Mikautadze could be someone the Eagles turn to, and he is likely to cost less than what Palace sell Mateta for.