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Aston Villa have made a formal offer to Crystal Palace for striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to The Athletic.

The 29-year-old has emerged as Unai Emery’s leading target as Villa look to add more quality to their attack, particularly amid uncertainty over Ollie Watkins because of continuing interest from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

Recognising the need for greater firepower in the forward line, Villa have acted swiftly to gauge Palace’s stance by lodging an official bid.

However, Villa’s initial proposal is understood to be well below Palace’s valuation. The Eagles are not under any pressure to sell and want a premium fee before they would consider allowing the striker to leave late in the transfer window.

Mateta scored 16 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions last season.

His relationship with Palace’s hierarchy has become increasingly tense because of a long-running contract dispute.

The French forward, who is eager for a fresh challenge at a club playing in the Champions League, recently lost a legal challenge after both a Premier League tribunal and FIFA upheld the validity of a 12-month extension triggered by Palace.

That ruling means Mateta is legally contracted to Palace until June 2027, greatly improving the club’s position in negotiations and making it clear that Villa must strike a direct agreement with the Eagles.

Bringing in a striker with Mateta’s physicality, work rate and established Premier League pedigree would give Villa important depth in attack as they prepare for a demanding campaign across domestic and European competitions.

Although Palace turned down Villa’s opening approach, talks have not completely broken down, with the West Midlands side weighing up an improved bid to match Palace’s asking price.

Villa are also trying to sign AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and have started discussions with the Italian club, although an agreement is still some distance away.