Man Utd 'decide on second transfer' after Matheus Cunha and could strike bargain deal

are bidding to avoid another dismal campaign after missing out on European football next year, as they head towards a best-case-scenario finish of 14th place. They are already in the closing stages of signing Matheus Cunha from , but have their sights set on another exciting forward addition to supplement the move.

Signing Cunha is thought to be considerably easier than signing other Premier League talismen, considering the Portuguese forward has an active £62.5million release clause in his contract this summer. He is reportedly United cannot offer , , or even football for 2025/26.

And after a blunt offering in the Bilbao final against , the hierarchy are ready to sign off on another striker. They may be able to get them on a bargain deal, also, with Jean-Philippe Mateta being targeted.

claim that United have turned their attention to Mateta after another stellar year in England. The 27-year-old Frenchman scored 17 goals in all competitions this season and has spearheaded Oliver Glasner's -winning attack.

Palace are unlikely to want to sell Mateta, especially after securing a place in the Europa League next season. They are looking to increase the size of Glasner's squad to combat the additional number of games the Eagles will play.

But Mateta has just over 12 months left on his contract and Palace risk losing him for free if they do not cash in over the summer. He will be able to speak to foreign clubs regarding a future free transfer from January.

Mateta could be available for a cut-price figure as a result, while the striker is also keen to impress France boss Didier Deschamps and win a place in the national team ahead of next year's . There is no bigger platform than at United.

There has been no indication that Palace are willing to part ways with their top striker, but they do have Eddie Nketiah in reserve after spending £30m on the former man nearly a year ago.

Mateta has not been ruled out of a potential return to , either. He featured for France last year at the under Thierry Henry, but he has yet to receive a call-up to the national team.

United do have potential alternatives if Mateta snubs a move to Old Trafford, with Liam Delap, Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres all thought to be reported targets ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer for outfit.