Despite his efforts to prove otherwise, Jean-Philippe Mateta still has 10 months left on his contract.
That is significant for a number of reasons.
It means if Crystal Palace are to recoup any money in transfer fees for the striker before he is eligible to sign a Bosman pre-contract with an overseas club in January, then this window provides their last opportunity to do so.
That fact will not be lost on those at Selhurst Park and there is a view from some at the club that they should look to sever ties in the coming days.
But with Mateta less than 12 months away from a free transfer, which would most probably be more financially lucrative for him than leaving for a fee this month, it would be understandable if the 29-year-old was not rushing out of the exit door.
Palace have attempted to renew Mateta's contract over the past the 12 months but to no avail.
And while the option of an extension cannot be completely discounted, it seems inconceivable that Mateta would perform a U-turn now given the lengths he has gone to to try to prove his current one is invalid.
Palace are likely to, at the very least, listen to offers for Mateta, who - by his actions - has indicated he views his future away from Selhurst Park.
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