BAYER Leverkusen are making a shock move for Crystal Palace striker Jean Philippe Mateta.
The German giants have asked about the French hitman who has a big reputation in the Bundesliga where he starred in his career.
Palace would want £20 million for Mateta and need to find a replacement quickly. They previously turned down a move from RB Leipzig.
The Eagles are hoping for Iliman Ndiaye at Marseille but that move is difficult in this window and he is playing Senegal at Afcon.
Leverkusen’s chase for Mateta will also encourage West Ham who are keen on Victor Boniface as we revealed last week.
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The German side have already signed Borja Iglesias for their attack and landing Mateta would give them cover and make the Boniface deal easier.
Leverkusen have to do their best to keep hold of their head coach as well as their best players.
Xabi Alonso has impressed this season at the helm of the German outfit with the Black and Reds currently top of the Bundesliga table.
Alonso's side are yet to lose a league game all season and have won 15 of the 19 they have played.
Following Jurgen Klopp's bombshell announcement that he will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, there have been man reports linking Alonso with a return to Anfield.
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The 42-year-old is a hero on the Red side of Merseyside after spending five years with Liverpool as a player.
The former midfield maestro made over 200 appearances for the club and was part of their Champions League winning squad in 2005.
