A major transfer deal involving French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has collapsed on deadline day. Mateta, who was a key figure for Crystal Palace, was set for a high-profile move to Italian giants AC Milan, but the deal was abandoned after a failed medical examination.

Medical staff at AC Milan reportedly raised concerns regarding the 28-year-old's knee, leading them to request further testing that could not be completed before the transfer window closed. Mateta had already been omitted from Palace's recent squad in anticipation of the move.

The collapse is a significant blow to both the player and the Italian club, who were looking to bolster their attacking options for the Champions League knockout stages. Mateta is now expected to return to London and reintegrate with the Crystal Palace squad for the remainder of the season.