Crystal Palace shareholder John Textor reportedly plans to sell the team’s top goalscorer Jean-Philippe Mateta to one of his European clubs next summer.
The 27-year-old Frenchman scored a brace in a 2-0 win last week to help his team gain three points in the Premier League against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
His performance helped Palace boost their place in the table, as they are currently in 12th place with 30 points.
Overall, Mateta has emerged as a regular starter in his last three seasons at Selhurst Park, scoring 10 goals and delivering one assist during the current campaign.
However, according to the Sun, Palace’s American owner is planning a controversial move as Textor wants to transfer Mateta to his other club, French side Lyon.
The businessman is understood to also have the majority of the Ligue 1 team shares since 2022.
Crystal Palace shareholder John Textor reportedly plans to sell Jean-Philippe Mateta to his other club, Ligue 1 side Lyon
However, the French striker is understood to be eager to move to a top club next summer
Lyon are set to finish the season with a Champions League spot but they are currently eighth in the Ligue 1 table
The decision comes while Mateta is known to be of strong interest to big European clubs after delivering a strong performance throughout this campaign.
This week, Spanish outlet Fichales reported that the Frenchman has emerged as a target for Barcelona as the Catalan giants are eager to reinforce their attacking line considering the age of Poland international Robert Lewandowski.
If the striker continues his stunning form in England this season, several Premier League clubs could make an enquiry next summer.
Meanwhile, Lyon must first qualify for a Champions League position in the French league table as they are currently eighth in Ligue 1.
Mateta’s performance allowed him to be called up to play for France in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
The 27-year-old featured in six games for the national team and scored five goals, including a late penalty in a lost 3-5 final against Spain.