Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy approached Manchester United with enquiries about Anthony Martial and Juan Mata in the summer transfer window, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The newspaper claims on their website that while Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld was linked with a move to Old Trafford for most of the summer, the only contact made between Levy and United was to ask about Martial and Mata.
Mata, who is earning £160,000-a-week on his United deal (Spotrac), has been a key part of Jose Mourinho’s plans and has started both of the club’s Premier League fixtures this season.
OPINION
It would have been some coup if Spurs managed to sign one of Martial or Mata, and it is no great surprise that Levy asked about them with the speculation swirling about Alderweireld’s future in North London. Mata would have been a class addition. He is not what you would consider a ‘Tottenham signing’ because he is 30-years-old and getting towards the end of his prime, but he would have been a better short-term signing that say Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish, who was linked with Tottenham all summer. Grealish has never impressed in the Premier League while Mata is arguably among the best attacking midfielders currently playing in England’s top-flight. He also seems to be involved in all of United’s good play and he would have made a great addition to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad. Martial would have been better though. He is younger and has plenty of time to improve while Mata would have only been good for one or two seasons.