Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has spoken out on the futures of Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta amid interest from other clubs this summer. The Eagles have already sold Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea in a £52million deal and are keen to keep their remaining first-team starters.
Sarr ruled out of Manchester City clash
Liverpool have been pursuing Sarr, but the winger has been ruled out of Friday's Premier League match against Manchester City due to a groin problem. Sage insisted the injury, not transfer speculation, is the reason for his absence.
'No chance,' Sage said of Sarr being fit to play on Friday. He added: 'He is under contract, as I told you. He's injured and, maybe you can make a link between his injury and the situation, but for me, he's honest, and I have no problem with that.'
'I spoke with him this morning about that, yesterday about that too, and we just want him on the pitch.'
Mateta bid rejected
Aston Villa have made a bid for Mateta, but the undisclosed offer is well short of Crystal Palace's valuation of the France international. The 29-year-old has argued that the final year of his Palace contract is invalid, a claim he has lost.
Despite the contract confusion, Sage says Mateta is happy and will stay at Selhurst Park. 'I speak with him every day, and, in front of me, I have a guy, funny, happy to be here,' said the Eagles boss.
'He gives his best in every session. I didn't see a player who has a problem with the club or with us. That's why he played the last game as a starter.'
'You imagine if we have a problem with him, he will not play as a starter. Now it's just a problem (to) be resolved, but it's maybe with the man, but not with the player if you want.'
'Yeah, I think he will stay and like I told you, he has the behaviour of someone who is happy to be here or wants to be here and prepared to be here all the season. I understand your question, but I have no doubt about that.'
