According to a report in Sport Bild (as relayed by 90min), Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton are said to be going head to head for Mainz striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The report claims that Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has personally called Mateta to convince him to make the move to North London.
The 22-year-old Frenchman had an impressive first season in Germany, netting 14 goals and 3 assists for Mainz in all competitions last campaign (Transfermarkt.com)
His performances reportedly attracted the interest of several clubs last summer with Newcastle bidding €28 million for the young forward.
However, Mainz rejected the offer as they were keen to hang on to Mateta after selling Jean-Philippe Gbamin to Everton.
However, it is claimed that the Bundesliga club are open to letting the striker leave for an offer of around €30 million in January.
The report goes on to add that following Mainz’s poor start to the season, the French forward is keen to leave the club to fulfil his ambitions.
Spurs Web Opinion
While Mateta seems to have all the qualities required to be a top striker, he is still not performed at the top level for a consistent period of time. However, Spurs might have to go for a young up and coming striker like the Frenchman as very few established strikers will be willing to come to the club and play second fiddle to the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son.
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