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Tottenham plot late move for coveted Premier League striker. Tottenham Hotspur have made their record spend in one transfer window this summer. They have added six players and are on the verge of signing a couple more in the form of Savinho and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City this week. However, the North London club’s humiliating opening weekend defeat to Brentford underlined that Roberto De Zerbi needs more firepower up front. Richarlison was anonymous for large periods of the game before being substituted for Dominic Solanke, whose impact was minimal too at the Gtech Community Stadium. The lack of goals and cutting edge in that front line was enough proof that Spurs need a new centre-forward in the coming days. Tottenham plan to make move for Crystal Palace star Recent reports suggest that Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta’s representatives have approached Tottenham over a potential move. It is understood that the 29-year-old wants to leave Selhurst Park before the transfer window slams shut next week. This is down to the player lately arguing that the final year on his Crystal Palace contract should be ruled invalid, and the fact that he has been taken to a Premier League independent tribunal by his club makes for an intriguing dynamic heading into the last week of the transfer window. Despite Jean-Philippe Mateta and his entourage’s dispute that the last year of the player’s deal is not legally binding, because it was an extension option activated by the club on his original four-and-a-half-year contract, the France international remains contracted to the Eagles. Yet, he started in Crystal Palace’s 2-0 defeat to Everton on Saturday suggests the relationship is not broken between the player and the club. Now, according to a report from Football Insider, Tottenham are ready to make a late swoop for Mateta. They are keeping close tabs on the player’s situation across the capital, amid the ongoing disagreement regarding his contract. The N17 chiefs are waiting for the right opportunity to pounce on the player. Palace do not want to lose their star striker in this transfer window, but their position could potentially change if a suitable offer is tabled. The South Londoners are bracing for their resolve to be tested for the France international, who has bagged 62 goals in 203 appearances for Palace, including the all-important clincher in the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano. Late Mateta move would be a treat for Tottenham fans Spurs’ interest in Mateta makes sense. The prolific striker provides a physical focal point, thanks to his strength and ability to hold up play for the wide players. He is also clinical in front of goal, scoring 50 goals in the Premier League for the Eagles. The Frenchman can link up play well and is dangerous in the box from set-pieces. So, all in all, the former Lyon man would be a perfect fit under De Zerbi at White Hart Lane. If the N17 chiefs can pull off a late deal for Mateta, it would further reinforce the hierarchy’s ambition and total commitment to De Zerbi’s project.