Crystal Palace reportedly closing in on £8m striker deal

Crystal Palace are reportedly set to complete the permanent signing of Jean-Philippe Mateta from Mainz.

The 24-year-old has been on loan at Palace since last January, and has managed to force his way into Patrick Vieira’s plans after a difficult start.

Mateta’s loan included an obligation to buy for £13million after a certain amount of starts for the Eagles.

The Frenchman has not hit that amount of starts and Palace have been able to negotiate a lower price.

Now the Evening Standard are reporting that the South London club are set to agree terms on an £8m move.

They add that his representatives has flew over from France to London over the weekend.

The Eagles have seen approaches for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah rejected this month.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD