Crystal Palace blocked £8m player from leaving January exit’

That is according to The Athletic.

So, what is the latest on Jean-Philippe Mateta at Crystal Palace? Let’s take a look…

Mateta now set to stay at Crystal Palace

The Frenchman, according to The Athletic, wants out of Selhurst Park in order to get regular starts somewhere.

According to a new report from The Athletic, Mateta is still eager on leaving, but any exit will be prevented by Crystal Palace, even if a new striker is signed.

The 26-year-old’s recent performances are expected to keep him in south London, with goals against Manchester City and Liverpool.

Mateta has been handed a rare string of starts following an injury to Odsonne Edouard, and the Crystal Palace No.14 has taken his chance with both hands.

Aside from scoring against both Liverpool and Manchester City, the Sevran-born striker impressed once again in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, and also delivered a fantastic performance in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Brentford.

Crystal Palace right to keep Mateta

This, in our opinion, is the correct approach, even if it risks upsetting Mateta.

The £8 million striker is very different from Edouard and will suit Roy Hodgson when Crystal Palace face more robust opposition.

Of course, a similarly physical striker could be hired to replace Mateta, but the Premier League is a very difficult competition, and there are no guarantees that any replacement addition will be able to quickly repeat the Frenchman’s previous performance level.

A new striker might take months to settle in, and with Crystal Palace just six points above the relegation zone – Luton Town also have a game in hand – the Eagles don’t have time to waste.