Mateta move to Milan scuppered by medical concerns: source

A source revealed to AFP on Monday that Jean-Philippe Mateta's prospective last-minute switch from Crystal Palace to AC Milan collapsed over health worries, supporting claims from Italian press.

The French forward sat out Crystal Palace's Premier League stalemate against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, ahead of an expected shift to Milan.

"AC Milan sought extra checks on his knee, yet these offered no sufficient guarantees to seal the deal," the source explained to AFP, while mentioning Mateta had been lined up to join Milan once the current campaign wraps up.

"Plans were set to pull his debut forward by six months. The arrangement is off now."

Mateta has bagged 56 strikes for Palace since linking up with the London outfit on loan from Mainz back in January 2021, proving essential to the squad that lifted last term's FA Cup.

Palace's form has faltered in the past few weeks, manager Oliver Glasner confirming his exit from Selhurst Park come season close, alongside defender Marc Guehi's exit to Manchester City.

The Eagles endure a 12-match drought without victory across every competition.

The 28-year-old Mateta has fired home 10 goals this term, though only one in his previous 12 outings.

Milan looked to reinforce their frontline aiming to narrow the gap on local foes Inter Milan, trailing by eight points atop Serie A.

Italian reports indicate Juventus may pursue Mateta prior to the transfer deadline later on Monday.