Tottenham Hotspur are not going to make a move to sign Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta this month, according to Alasdair Gold.
Spurs have been strongly linked with a move to bring in a new forward this month amid a poor season under Thomas Frank, with major question marks over the futures of Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani ahead of Monday's transfer deadline.
Some reports had suggested that France international Mateta could emerge as a late target as a move away from Selhurst Park accelerated, but it now looks highly unlikely that he will moving across London this month.
Tottenham Not Interested in Mateta
Mateta, who has been described as one of the best strikers in the Premier League, looks set to depart the Eagles this month after asking to leave following an impasse on talks over a new contract.
Aston Villa and Juventus had shown an interest in the 28-year-old, but their interest has since cooled, and Sean Dyche's Nottingham Forest side have tabled a £35m bid for his services, although Palace are said to want at least £40m.
That had sparked suggestions that Tottenham could look to make a late swoop for his signature to beat off the competition, however, Football.London journalist Gold has now shared that there is no such move in the pipeline currently.
Crystal Palace agreed moves to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves in a £50m deal, alongside Evann Guessand from Aston Villa on a loan with an option to buy, which suggests that Mateta is now edging closer to an exit.
But despite having a historical interest, Spurs are set to stick with their current forward options until the end of the season at least, with Frank wanting some stability within his squad.
Mateta Would Be Major Tottenham Upgrade
Currently Tottenham have all of Kolo Muani, Dominic Solanke and Richarlison as starting striker options, but Solanke has missed most of the season with an injury and Richarlison is now unavailable until March with a hamstring injury.
With a number of players currently out injured, Frank needs numbers, but striker is arguably the position he needs least, and if he is happy with his options then it makes sense not to pursue a deal.
However, it's hard to see how Mateta wouldn't be an upgrade on current options, and having a reliable goalscorer like him could be the difference between climbing up the table and progressing in the Champions League or not.