Jean-Philippe Mateta was poised to join AC Milan until a devastating revelation scuppered his Deadline Day transfer.Â
Crystal Palace had agreed to sell the striker to the Rossoneri in a deal worth in excess of €30 million after pushing to leave Selhurst park in the January window.
The 28-year-old underwent medical tests on Monday ahead of signing for his new club, but the move has now fallen apart.
According to reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Mateta failed his medical, which revealed a knee injury that will require surgery and sideline him for three to four months. There were also “issues related to agents’ commissions”.
The France international thought the move to the San Siro would boost his chances of making Les Bleus’ squad for the FIFA World Cup in North America this summer, but it now looks like he will miss the rest of the season instead. Nottingham Forest and Juventus were also interested in signing the player.
Despite Mateta staying put, Palace will still sign Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves. Wanderers have reportedly accepted an offer worth up to £48m from the south London outfit; £43m guaranteed plus £5m in add-ons.
Meanwhile, the Eagles have also launched a late bid to sign Everton winger Dwight McNeil, who has also received interest from Forest. However, Sky Sports News report that the Toffees “would not sanction a loan move” and it would take “something significant” to convince them of letting him go. A permanent sale is their preference, and they are “unlikely” to accept a loan offer with a guaranteed option to buy.
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