Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira is performing a huge U-turn over the future of Jean-Philippe Mateta.

On-loan for the season from Mainz, Palace had explored sending the striker back to the Germans earlier this season. It's since emerged this month that St Etienne were keen to takeover Mateta's loan.

However, L'Equipe says Vieira is now talking about buying Mateta outright.

Indeed, Vieira has no plans to cut loose the striker in January and instead will lean on him in the coming games.

Should Mateta make 19 appearances for Palace, it will trigger a €15m permanent option.