As reported by RMC, Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta’s transfer to Saint-Étienne has been blocked despite an agreement being reached between the clubs.
Struggling at the foot of the Ligue 1 table and their squad badly depleted by the African Nations Cup, Saint-Étienne are desperate for reinforcements. However, a loan for 24-year-old Frenchman Mateta from the Premier League side has been halted by his parent club, Mainz.
Palace are currently loaning the striker from Mainz and have a purchase option included in their arrangement of around €15m. Before loaning the player out for a second time, Mainz want the London club to activate that clause but Palace are yet to do so. Meanwhile, Newcastle United and Swiss club FC Basel have also expressed an interest in the player.