Tottenham Hotspur now have a genuine interest in signing an "amazing" new striker, amid a fresh update on Randal Kolo Muani's future.
Spurs eyeing new striker amid poor form
After finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, Tottenham were hoping to kick on in the Thomas Frank era, but they have continued to massively underperform, currently sitting in 14th place.
The 2-0 Champions League victory against Borussia Dortmund has bought Frank some more time, but his side were unable to make it two wins on the spin at the weekend, recording a 2-2 draw against Burnley, which extends the winless run in the Premier League to five games.
The manager bemoaned his side's inability to take their opportunities against the Clarets, saying: "I think we had a strong end with strong character. We had a lot of offensive subs and go to get the equalizer and we had three or four very big chances, score on one of them, but this is a game where we create a lot of things, do more than enough to win the game."
Kolo Muani was once again unable to get on the scoresheet, and with the Frenchman now without a single goal or assist in his opening 15 Premier League outings, he could be heading for the exit door.
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Juventus are now pushing to sign the centre-forward, with Tottenham now weighing up whether to sanction a departure this month.
However, the north Londoners are only willing to let the 27-year-old leave if they are able to bring in a replacement, and they now hold a genuine interest in signing Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is available for £40m this month.
There is a belief the Frenchman could be a good fit in Frank's system, but Spurs will have to fend off interest from elsewhere, with Nottingham Forest recently opening talks with Palace, having agreed personal terms.
"Amazing" Mateta could be Kolo Muani upgrade
Kolo Muani has flattered to deceive at Tottenham, scoring a brace against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, but failing to make an impact domestically.
Mateta, on the other hand, has proven himself in the Premier League over an extended period, chipping in with 46 goals and nine assists in 153 top-flight outings for Palace.
Oliver Glasner had high praise for the 28-year-old's finishing and ability off the ball after a 2-0 victory against Manchester United last season, saying: "We don't always talk because he knows what we demand of him. With his two goals today, he is amazing in the box.
"He has the feeling that a number nine must have in the box. He makes so many runs where he doesn't get the ball. You need to suffer as a striker because you make so many runs where you don't get the ball. He gets the reward and it decides the game for us."
That said, Mateta hasn't been in the best of form, bagging just one goal in his last ten Premier League outings, so while there are clear signs he could be an upgrade on Kolo-Muani, it would be risky for Spurs to shell out £40m.