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Report: Newcastle set sights on £12.5m, 6ft 3in striker who’s been compared to Demba Ba

Giuseppe Labellarte

Tue 11 January 2022 17:15, UK

Newcastle United have turned their attention to Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to .

The Magpies are in dire need of bolstering their attacking ranks in the January transfer window.

With Callum Wilson out for eight weeks, a new striker is now top of the agenda for Newcastle.

And claims the Magpies are looking at Mateta, who’s currently on loan at Crystal Palace.

The 24-year-old joined the Eagles on a season-long stint from Germany’s Mainz.

However, Mateta hasn’t featured much for the Londoners, making just seven appearances in all competitions.

That said, he’s started their last four games in all competitions, scoring twice.

Palace reportedly have an option to sign him for £12.5million at the end of his loan.

It remains to be seen whether they’ll trigger it though, given his lack of game time over 2021-22.

A return to France with Saint-Etienne looks to be his most likely move, claimed.

It’s claimed that Mateta has an agreement with the Ligue 1 club, but Palace’s purchase option has complicated a deal.

Mainz are reportedly keen for them to either take the forward on a permanent deal or lift the agreement so they can sell him to other interested parties.

As well as Newcastle, Swiss outfit FC Basel are apparently eyeing Mateta too.

Can Newcastle land Demba Ba 2.0?

Newcastle were actually being linked with Mateta several years ago too.

In 2018, claimed the Magpies were leading the race for the 6ft 3in striker, then at Lyon.

Some fans have previously said Mateta’s style of play reminded them of Toon cult hero Demba Ba.

Yep agree with this too a wide forward (Bowen) and a central striker for me to replace Gayle (Mateta). Joelinton is a good player but not a goalscorer and maybe better off a front man. Mateta reminds of demba ba!

— Mobin Hussain (@Mobs_)

Jean-Philippe Mateta is the one I wanted more than Joelinton, Saint-Maximin.

Proper striker reminds me of Demba Ba.

Joelinton will need time to make the striker role his best position as he hasn’t yet.

Has the potential though👍

— Rafa Fans (@FactsRafa)

Mateta reminds of Demba. Fast and good in the air. I like what I see.

— ⚒ Sapper Mark ⚒ (@Mdp_coyi66)