Nicolo Tresoldi has become one of the most sought-after young centre-forwards around Europe, as Tottenham battle several of their rivals to land the 22-year-old.

Spurs are expected to replace Richarlison with a new number nine in January, and the prolific German U21 international is firmly on the Lilywhites’ radar.

It has been widely reported that Man United could challenge the Lilywhites for the Club Brugge man, but the North Londoners have now received some bad news about the player’s future.

Tottenham will have to wait until next summer to sign Nicolo Tresoldi

According to a report in Football Insider, not only Man United, but Arsenal are also plotting the move for the striker, who has 12 goals from 14 appearances this season.

In addition, it is revealed that Tottenham could also face competition from Chelsea, who are also keeping close tabs on Tresoldi.

However, in a blow to all of his suitors, the website says that Brugge have no intention of selling their star striker mid-season.

Tresoldi is contracted to the Belgian club until 2029, and the interested clubs would have to wait until next summer to sign him so that Brugge have ample time to bring in a replacement.

Should Spurs go for a temporary stopgap in January rather than a big-money signing?

Top-class number nines are few and far between in European football, and being able to sign one in January will not be an easy task.

Tottenham Hotspur may be thinking about signing a temporary stop-gap to see them through until next summer so that they can focus on rebuilding their forward line ahead of next season.

Reports indicate that Jean-Philippe Mateta continues to be on Spurs’ radar, and with the Frenchman approaching the final six months of his Palace contract, he may be an attractive discount solution in January for De Zerbi’s side.