Jean-Philippe Mateta is on a list of transfer options for Liverpool this summer, talkSPORT understands.
The Crystal Palace striker scored 17 goals across 46 appearances in a memorable season that saw them lift the FA Cup.
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He netted 19 in the previous campaign and has now caught the eyes of Liverpool, who are also keen on centre-back Marc Guehi.
At this stage, there has been no dialogue between Mateta and the Reds, or between the two Premier League sides.
Mateta has become the latest Palace player to attract interest, even if they’re FA Cup winners and playing in Europe next season.
As a result, talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook has hinted that the south London side are facing a tough window.
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“I think that’s probably a reflection of the fact that, as we’ve spoken numerous times, there aren’t that many number nines out there,” he said on Breakfast regarding Mateta being an option for Liverpool.
“In Mateta, you’ve got a player that’s proven himself in the Premier League, he was brilliant for Palace not just last season but the second half of the season before that as well.
“He played a big part in their run to the FA Cup final, so I think he’s certainly on Liverpool’s list of options.
“Again, I wouldn’t suggest this is advanced by any means. Palace are going to be desperate to keep him.
“They’ve got a fight on their hands, not just when it comes to Mateta.
“We’re expecting Arsenal to make a formal offer in the coming weeks for Eberechi Eze, although that may be dependent on getting players off the wage bill.
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“I know Tottenham are admirers of Tyrick Mitchell, so it could be a long summer as far as Crystal Palace are concerned.
“And obviously, if they’re not in the Europa League, and only the Conference League, that weakens their hand in terms of keeping their best players.”
Palace qualified for the Europa League with their FA Cup win but have been relegated to the Conference League after a UEFA ruling.
This is due to multi-club ownership rules, with John Textor owning stakes both with them and French side Lyon.
Palace have confirmed they will seek legal advice in response to the decision that left them ‘extremely dismayed’.
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