A centre-forward, who has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, could soon be on the market, according to a transfer expert.
Over the past few weeks, a number of experienced strikers have been linked with a move to N17. One of those is a player that the Lilywhites tried to sign during the January window.
Tottenham reportedly pushed hard for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta on summer deadline day, and it has emerged over recent weeks that Spurs could try again to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta in January.
The 28-year-old, who has seven goals in 15 Premier League outings this term, has forced his way into the France squad, and Spurs have now received a positive update in their pursuit of the centre-forward.
Journalists says door could open for Tottenham to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta
Two weeks ago, it emerged that Palace are worried about losing Mateta after failing to tie him down to a new contract.
Now, journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested that the Lilywhites will be keeping a close eye on the 28-year-old’s situation and may be primed to pounce on him next summer.
O’Rourke told Football Insider about Mateta: “I’m sure Tottenham Hotspur will be keeping tabs on the situation with Mateta. They made a cheeky offer for him right at the end of the last summer transfer window, which Palace batted away.
“He’s under contract until 2027, but if he’s not going to sign a new deal by next summer, you would imagine Palace would be more increasingly open to selling Mateta to get a fee for him, rather than potentially letting him run down his contract.
“So, that could open the door for Spurs to make a move for the Frenchman. He’s a proven striker in the Premier League now over the last couple of seasons so be a really good fit for Spurs. There’s also reported interest from Italy, from AC Milan as well, in Mateta.”
Is a January deal for Mateta on the cards for Spurs?
It continues to be reported by some sources that signing a centre-forward is a priority for Thomas Frank’s men in January.
While Tottenham may be encouraged by the developments over Mateta’s contract talks, he is not expected to leave Selhurst Park in January.
This is according to an update from BBC Sport last week, which suggested that Mateta will reassess his future at the end of the season, with the striker’s main focus for now being to be part of France’s World Cup squad.