Tottenham Hotspur have competition to contend with in their pursuit of an experienced Premier League striker who wants out of the club.

Both Spurs and Man United need a number nine, and unsurprisingly, many of the same strikers are on the radar of both clubs ahead of the January window.

Spurs Web has relayed multiple reports over the last month suggesting that Tottenham and Man Utd are both considering moves for Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic.

Spurs and Red Devils are also thought to be admirers of Dinamo Zagreb’s Dion Beljo, who is thought to be valued at around €20m to €25m (£16.8m-£21m) ahead of January.

It has now emerged that Roberto De Zerbi’s and Michael Carrick’s sides are both also keeping an eye on a 29-year-old Premier League marksman.

Tottenham could battle Man United competition for Jean-Philippe Mateta

It emerged last week that Jean-Philippe Mateta is part of Spurs’ five-striker shortlist for January, with the striker’s current deal at Selhurst Park set to run out in the summer.

Tottenham’s interest in the Frenchman is not new, with some sources claiming Spurs also explored a late deal for Mateta in the summer window.

A new update from TEAMtalk has now claimed that the Palace star is also on the wishlist of United, as they go in search of a new number nine.

In fact, the outlet reveals that the Manchester club are plotting a double-deal for Mateta and his teammate Ismaila Sarr

The website adds that the Eagles do not want to lose any key players mid-season. However, Mateta will only have six months left on his deal in January, which means that it is the last window where the South Coast club can get a fee for him.

Why Mateta could prove to be an ideal temporary stopgap for Spurs

The January window can always be a difficult one to shop in, and Tottenham will likely have to wait until next summer for their top striker targets to become available.

Mateta is likely to be available for a cut-price fee, and he could prove to be the ideal temporary stopgap for De Zerbi’s side before they reassess their options upfront next summer.

The France international is also the profile of centre-forward that Spurs are currently missing in their squad, given his physical presence and his ability to get on the end of crosses.