Jean-Philippe Mateta to Crystal Palace: Eagles set to clinch 18-month loan deal for Mainz striker
On the move: Jean-Philippe Mateta is poised to join Crystal Palace from Mainz
(Getty Images)Crystal Palace are finalising the signing of French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta on an 18-month loan from Mainz.
Mateta, who has scored seven goals in the Bundesliga this season, is due to have a medical in London on Wednesday.
Palace have an obligation to make the deal permanent for a fee of around £13million.
Roy Hodgson is keen to bolster his attacking options this month and Mateta, 23, will provide competition for Christian Benteke.
The arrival of Mateta could pave the way for Benteke to leave Palace in the summer. The Belgian has managed just three goals this season and his contract expires at the end of the campaign.
Palace have lacked firepower again this season. Jordan Ayew has scored only one goal and Michy Batshuayi has failed to find the net since re-joining on loan from Chelsea.
The Eagles have already made a space in their squad for a new signing after releasing Max Meyer from his contract early.
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