Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is a target for St Etienne.
Mateta is on-loan at Palace from Mainz, where they've insisted he fulfil the full length of the deal.
However, Foot Mercato says ASSE sports chief Jean-Luc Buisine is a fan of Mateta and keen to bring him back to France next month.
With a willing suitor, allowing ASSE to takeover Mateta's loan could be attractive to both Palace and Mainz.
Mateta is a former Olympique Lyon player.
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