Thomas Frank may have to completely forget about linking up with Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta at Tottenham.
Football Insider understood that Palace wanted to tie Mateta down to a new deal at Selhurst Park, and Oliver Glasner’s side have now opened talks with the French striker.
With 44 goals across the last two-and-a-half seasons for the Eagles, it is no surprise to see the interest ramping up ahead of January, but it appears unlikely that Mateta will part ways with Palace.
Tottenham are just one club interested in Mateta’s signature, with Man United also keeping tabs, but Frank might have some better options up his sleeve ahead of the January transfer window.
Thomas Frank will be desperate for a new striker at Tottenham
Despite having three centre-forwards in his squad, nobody would be surprised if Frank threw everything at signing a new one once the next transfer window swings open.
Dominic Solanke’s injuries are frustrating, while Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison have failed to make the striker spot their own in the former Bournemouth man’s absence.
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Even with the injury struggles, Spurs are sitting fifth in the Premier League table after 11 matches, losing just three of those since the change of manager, and it could get even better.
Football Insider understands that Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic is on Tottenham’s shortlist ahead of January, a former Arsenal target, with his future in Italy completely unknown.
Dusan Vlahovic can make a splash in North London
Speaking back in 2022 [Daily Star], as Arsenal were keeping tabs on the striker, Paul Merson suggested that Vlahovic would “make them title contenders”, and Spurs fans will feel exactly the same way.
Even out of form, the 25-year-old has notched eight goals and an assist in 18 games, continuing his prolific record for Juventus, where he has 64 goals in 160 games.
He has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, and with the Lilywhites crying out for a goal-scoring forward, ever since Harry Kane‘s departure, he could finally solve their problems.
Mateta would have been a simple solution, given his experience in the Premier League, but it might be time to turn attention to Vlahovic after the latest contract news at Selhurst Park.