/https://sportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net/24/43/jean-philippe-mateta.jpg "Spurs 'failed' with deadline-day enquiry for in-dem - Sports Mole")
Tottenham Hotspur reportedly expressed an interest in signing Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta on deadline day.
Spurs went into the final hours of the summer transfer window eager to add at least one new fresh face to their attack.
Paris Saint-Germain frontman Randal Kolo Muani ultimately arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on a season-long loan deal.
As such, Spurs fans have been left satisfied with the make-up of their attack, there being enough options to the extent where Mathys Tel has not been included in the club's Champions League squad.
However, as per Sky Sports News journalist Kaveh Solhekol, Spurs had alternatives in mind before they settled on the France international.
Spurs made Mateta move
Solhekol claims that Spurs made a "late enquiry" regarding the availability of Mateta on Monday.
Palace had no interest in entertaining any interest in the 28-year-old, who has established himself as one of the best forwards in the Premier League over the past two years.
A total of 31 goals have been scored in the division since the start of 2023-24, Mateta also now viewed as one of Palace's best strikers in recent memory having chipped in with 49 goals and 11 assists from 158 appearances for the club.
Although two years remain on his contract, the Eagles could not realistically accept any level of bid for Mateta when they were battling hard to retain the services of Marc Guehi.
Head coach Oliver Glasner allegedly threatened to leave Selhurst Park if Guehi was sold to Liverpool, and it is plausible to have expected a similar reaction if Palace sold his most trusted source of goals on the final day of the summer transfer window.
Mateta left with one more year at Palace?
Despite Mateta remain at Palace for 2025-26, it is realistic to expect that he will move elsewhere next summer unless he extends his contract.
Palace already face the likelihood of Guehi departing on a free transfer and chairman Steve Parish would be fiercely against risking the same outcome with Mateta.
That said, Mateta has stayed committed to life at Palace and could theoretically be tempted to stay if the London outfit can win this season's Conference League and subsequently qualify for the Europa League.