Manchester United have made Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta their 'top target' for the summer transfer window, a new report has claimed.
Mateta has been in incredible form for Palace this season, scoring 15 goals in all competitions for Oliver Glasner's side.
He also represented France's Olympic football team last summer, scoring four goals as Thierry Henry's side won the silver medal.
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It has been quite the 12 months for the 27-year-old, who has looked revitalised under the management of Glasner having struggled for form under Roy Hodgson.
His progress was derailed on Saturday after suffering a 'severe laceration to the left ear' following a horror tackle from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts, which required 25 stitches.
However, Palace are reportedly hoping to have him fully fit after March's international break as they look to end the season strongly.
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Prior to his injury, Mateta had been linked with a summer move to United as manager Ruben Amorim looks to bolster his attacking options.
Now, The Sun claim that United have assigned the Frenchman as their top target as a result of his 12 Premier League goals scored so far this season.
They are said to have sent scouts to watch Palace's last three matches, but they have first-hand experience of what Mateta can do as he scored twice against them in a 2-0 win at Old Trafford last month.
It is unclear whether Palace would even consider offers for one of their key players, but The Sun claim that a move to Old Trafford 'would appeal' to the 27-year-old.
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Amorim is said to have been told that a move to sign his former Sporting Lisbon frontman Viktor Gyokeres is a 'total non-starter', as the Swede wants to move to a Champions League club.
United will not qualify for Europe through their league finishing position but can still do so by winning the Europa League.
They take on Spanish side Real Sociedad over two legs in the last 16 stage of the competition, and may have to get past fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur if they do progress further in the tournament.
Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Ruben Amorim, Europa League
Ryan Smart