Crystal Palace could push ahead with a move for Mohamed Kader Meite amid Jean-Philippe Mateta’s uncertain future and rival interest.

According to TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace could position themselves as the front-runners in the race to sign Rennes’ 18-year-old attacking prodigy Mohamed Kader Meite. The young striker does have other admirers like Chelsea and Aston Villa as well as Saudi clubs, but the Eagles could push with a move depending on the outcome of Jean-Philippe Mateta’s immediate future.

Mohamed Kader Meite has made a big impact on proceedings with some breakthrough performances for Rennes this term. The teenager striker, standing at 6ft4in, has been a revelation in Ligue 1, with some big clubs already showing interest in signing him now or in the future.

For instance, the report highlights a potential offer from Al-Hilal in the region of €40 million, but the player is keen to avoid going to the Saudi Pro League amid Premier League interest. Chelsea were keen back in the summer, but since then, they have kept tabs on the attacker ahead of a potential future move.

Aston Villa are also keeping tabs on Mohamed Kader Meite as part of their long-term thinking, and they could be in the mix in the summer if the player is still available. At the moment, Unai Emery’s side are part of the Jean-Philippe Mateta race, with the French striker frustrated with Crystal Palace’s indecisiveness amid rising interest.

Crystal Palace, for their part, are now positioning themselves as front-runners in the Meite race, amid growing uncertainty surrounding Mateta’s future. The Eagles are open to the idea of pushing for the signature of the 18-year-old attacking prodigy should Mateta depart before the end of the month.

Crystal Palace to chase Mateta replacement?

Meite is seen as a viable replacement for Mateta, but also part of Crystal Palace’s long-term plans, although their striker’s departure could accelerate the pursuit of the Rennes star. However, the 18-year-old Ligue 1 attacking prodigy is not the only player on their list to replace Mateta, as Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen is also a target.

Similarly, they had reportedly explored the idea of Jonathan David during talks with Juventus over Mateta recently. The Bianconeri have since cooled their interest in the Frenchman, although from Crystal Palace’s perspective, they would be eager to keep hold of Mateta until he summer. Still, a quickfire sale could accelerate their pursuit of Meite.