Tottenham Hotspur may have to battle AC Milan to land a Premier League forward they have had their eye on since the summer.
According to reports, Spurs are prioritising signings who will strengthen their starting eleven in January rather than youngsters or squad players.
The Lilywhites may be poised to re-enter the race for a Premier League striker, who has eight goals this term, after failing with an approach for him this summer.
Tottenham reportedly pushed hard for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta on summer deadline day, and according to reports over recent weeks, Spurs could try again for the French international in January.
It emerged a few days ago that Palace are worried about losing Mateta after failing to tie him down to a new contract.
AC Milan enter race to sign Tottenham target Jean-Philippe Mateta
Football Insider have now also backed up recent reports on Mateta’s contract talks with the Eagles, revealing that there is some distance between the two parties.
Oliver Glasner’s men are unwilling to offer the 28-year-old the salary that he is demanding.
There is a growing feeling that the South London club could cash in on Mateta if they fail to make progress in the negotiations until January.
The outlet makes no mention of Spurs but reveals that AC Milan are now keeping tabs on the Palace star’s situation.
Why Milan may have an advantage over Spurs in Mateta race
An update from earlier this week claimed that Mateta is keen on moving to Italy at some point in his career.
That may mean that if the Rossoneri substantiate their interest, the French international’s head may be turned.
However, one would think that Tottenham would be able to offer the striker a more lucrative financial package than Milan, while the forward may also be tempted by testing himself in the Champions League.