Crystal Palace have signed French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta from Mainz.
The 23-year old has signed an 18-month loan deal at Selhurst Park, which is believed to be costing the Premier League side £3.15million (€3.5m). Palace will have the option to make the deal a permanent one.
Mateta has scored 7 goals in 15 Bundesliga appearances this season, including a hat-trick against Freiburg in November. That three-goal salvo, however, was the last time he found the net.
The ex-Lyon man says Roy Hodgson's ability to communicate has helped him settle in, "I spoke with him over the phone but I want to speak with him face to face," Mateta said, "[He spoke] French – good French.
"I know this manager is a good trainer with a good team."
Hodgson will be hoping Mateta can add some spark to his forward line.
Palace have failed to score in five of their last seven games.
Palace chairman Steve Parish said, "We have followed Jean-Philippe’s development with keen interest for some time, and I’m so pleased that we have been able to bring him to south London.
"He is a player that is full of potential with a proven goal-scoring record, and his signing reiterates our commitment to ensuring we have a well-balanced squad in terms of youth and experience for the seasons ahead."
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