Expert: Kane to Man United gathers steam, club to pull the plug on another deal

03/11/2025 05:00 PM

Man United are unlikely to pursue a move to sign Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta this summer but Harry Kane is a firm target, according to their former chief scout.

Mick Brown, who spent over a decade at Old Trafford during the club’s most successful period and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that the 27-year-old is not viewed as one of the club’s top targets.

Instead, they are prioritising moves to sign more high-profile targets as they look to bolster Ruben Amorim’s squad after a dreadful season so far.

The Red Devils have been assessing their potential options at centre-forward as Man United eye a deal for Viktor Gyokeres, while INEOS want to sign Harry Kane.

Mateta, meanwhile, has been heavily linked with the move in recent weeks as a result of his excellent performances for Crystal Palace under Oliver Glasner.

However, he is not thought to be a priority option for United, while Palace remain keen to keep him at the club beyond the end of the season.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider last month that Mateta is not high on United’s list of targets.

Man United unlikely to pursue Jean-Philippe Mateta deal

Brown told Football Insider that Palace hope to keep Mateta at Selhurst Park beyond the end of the season and will demand a “significant” for his sale.

Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and was instrumental in bringing the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy to United, insisted that Mateta would be better suited remaining at Selhurst Park.

“I’d be surprised if Man United went for Mateta,” he told Football Insider.

“If I’m honest, I never expected him to reach the level he is at now, so I have to bow down and say well done to him and well done to Crystal Palace.

“I think he’s a gem for Crystal Palace, and that’s what he should continue to be.

“I’m not so sure that he’s the one Man United will be looking to sign, although with the options they’ve got at the moment, he’d certainly be an improvement.

“The names United have been looking at are more high-profile.

“They’ve been looking at the likes of Harry Kane and Viktor Gyokeres.

“So I think the interest in Mateta, if there is any, will just be as a result of the club doing due diligence on the options which might be available this summer.

“It’s not a move I would expect to see happen.”

Kobbie Mainoo future uncertain after ‘£70million’ twist

As Man United continue to look at potential additions to their squad ahead of the summer window, speculation about possible departures has also been rife.

The future of Kobbie Mainoo has been a particular concern, after the 19-year-old turned down the offer of a new contract at Old Trafford.

Brown warned Football Insider in February that Man United planned to sell Mainoo to help dig them out of a perilous financial situation.

Now, the former scout has revealed Man United will accept £70million for Mainoo as they want to raise a significant fee which will help balance the books.

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