Aston Villa have made move to sign 'lethal' forward - expert

Jean-Philippe Mateta would ‘see himself as a starter’ if he made the switch from Crystal Palace to Aston Villa.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, ex-Villa defender Alan Hutton believes the France Olympics forward, 27, will be a ‘great addition’ at the Midlands club but is unlikely to usurp Ollie Watkins.

Mateta is currently picking up where he left off last season at the Olympics with France having scored an impressive four goals in five games at the tournament.

Sources have told Football Insider that Villa have registered their interest in signing Mateta as they explore the market for a “lethal” forward.

Palace have already seen Michael Olise leave the club for a £50.8 million fee and with interest rising in their other star players, Mateta would cost a serious fee.

Football Insider revealed (August 6) that Newcastle United are now in advanced talks to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

Jean-Philippe Mateta wouldn’t be a guaranteed starter at Aston Villa

The striker was instrumental for Palace at the back end of last season as they finished the campaign strongly under new manager Oliver Glasner.

With 19 goals in 39 appearances for the club, it’s unlikely Mateta would be willing to play second-fiddle if he were to leave.

Mateta would have to compete with Watkins and maybe even Jhon Duran if the Colombian remains at the club beyond the transfer window.

“If Duran was to leave I could get on board a little bit more with the speculation”, Hutton told Football Insider.

“It’s going to be a big fee. We’ve already seen (Michael) Olise leaving for big money, (Eberechi) Eze possibly leaving for big money, and now Mateta.

“I thought he had a great end to last season and he’s currently ripping it up at the Olympics at this moment in time so he’s a big, big target.

“He would be a great addition to the team, the only thing I would say is he would see himself as a starter in my opinion.

“Coming to Aston Villa and playing second fiddle to Ollie Watkins who again had an outstanding season and done his bit in the Euros.

“He is the number one striker. Would he (Mateta) be willing to sit on the bench and possible play second fiddle?

“Of course you have to back yourself and he would probably believe that he can be a starter but should you take that risk.

“It’s an interesting one, we’ll have to wait and see.”

In other news, Chelsea midfielder rejected the chance to join Aston Villa.

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