Tottenham in sudden race for ‘outstanding’ Premier League striker after transfer twist elsewhere
Tottenham have been named as a shock contender for the signing of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Nottingham Forest are the clear favourites to sign Mateta, after the Tricky Trees had a £35million bid rejected.
Palace are reportedly hoping to secure a £40m package for the 28-year-old, who is keen to leave Selhurst Park in the coming days.
Aston Villa have ended their interest in Mateta after they completed the signing of Tammy Abraham on Tuesday.
Mateta was heavily linked with a move to Villa, but decision-makers at Villa Park opted for the cheaper option in Abraham.
Odds slashed as Tottenham enter Jean-Philippe Mateta race
Strikers were not an issue as Tottenham beat Frankfurt 2-0 on Wednesday, with both Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke scoring.
The latter’s strike was his second in the space of eight days in the Champions League and his second of the season after a long spell out with an injury.
For much of the season, the lack of a reliable striker has been a serious problem for Thomas Frank and Tottenham.
And it remains one until Solanke can prove his ability to stay fit, or Kolo Muani can prove his of scoring regular goals.
Given the uncertainty that continues to hang over Frank’s future, it would appear unlikely that the Dane is willing to take that risk.
Amid Thursday’s news that Palace are closing in on the signing of Jorgen Strand Larsen, the route to an exit now appears clear for Mateta.
Tottenham’s odds of signing the Frenchman have been slashed to 7/2 in recent hours, while Nottingham Forest retain their status as favourites at 8/13 according to one major bookmaker.
What Jamie Carragher said about Mateta should excite Tottenham fans
Mateta has not been at his unstoppable best this season, but neither have Palace in recent weeks.
The striker has missed chance after chance at times, but it is his work off the ball that sees him get those chances in the first place.
And last season, he showed that, when on it, he can deliver to devastating effect. After Mateta had scored against Arsenal with a stunning chip in April, Jamie Carragher raved about him.
“This is fantastic,” he said. “You see the goalkeeper trying to get back, and that is absolutely outstanding.”
If they sign him, Tottenham will be hoping that Mateta can pull off a similar trick against the North London neighbours.