Winger Leon Bailey returned to Villa from Roma last night after his loan was cut short but is set to go out on loan once more.
Villa, who are keen to add to their attack this winter, will not look towards Bailey but instead to Roma’s Tammy Abraham and Palace star Mateta who, according to Fabrizio Romano is eager to leave.
“Jean-Philippe Mateta and his camp have informed Crystal Palace about desire to leave the club.
“Following talks with Aston Villa and Juventus, Mateta hopes for January move with decision now in Palace hands.
“Negotiations remain ongoing.”
Eagles captain Marc Guehi was confirmed as a Manchester City player on Monday afternoon whilst Palace boss Oliver Glasner also lost Eberechi Eze in the summer to London rivals Arsenal.
Has Glasner been abandoned?
While the chance to bring in reinforcements this January transfer window could offer some, Glasner may have been right to say he was “abandoned” by the board who are allowing many of Palace’s top players to leave to rival clubs.
Mateta is out of contract next summer, meaning Palace need to make a decision on the striker or risk losing him for free. If he does leave, Palace have just 10 days to replace him before the winter window slams shut.
The 28-year-old has started all 22 of Palace’s Premier League games this season, scoring eight goals and if he does leave then Palace may face dropping further down the table under Glasner.