OPINION
Tottenham Hotspur became the only Premier League side in history to not sign one player in the summer window this year, and it is likely that the club will delve into the market when January rolls around.
Spurs are not traditionally big spenders in the January window, but their £25million signing of Lucas Moura last year suggests a change in that trend, and their lack of summer reinforcements also lends itself to one or two new players arriving mid-season.
One area of concern for Tottenham is in the number 10 role, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side lacking creativity when Christian Eriksen is not in the team.
A report from the Manchester Evening News claims that Tottenham made a summer enquiry for Manchester United attacker Juan Mata, and they must now reignite this interest ahead of the January window.
As reported by The Sun, the Red Devils are keen to sit down and agree a contract extension with Mata, but several issues have so far seen talks fall flat.
Mata is said to want to remain at Old Trafford, but his lack of game time is a big problem for him, and Tottenham must pounce on this uncertainty to snap the classy Spain international up on a cut-price deal.
Mata has traditionally played on the wings during his career in the Premier League, but his pace is now lacking as he gets older, and he would be far more suited to a more central position.
Bringing in Mata to act as an alternative to Eriksen in the number 10 role would be a masterstroke from Pochettino, who would be adding huge threat to his attacking line.
Mata also brings with him deadly set-piece ability and vast Premier League experience, both things which Tottenham could do with as they bid to end a decade without silverware.
This contract impasse has opened the door for a cheeky bid, and they must now make that happen before someone else snaps him up or he eventually signs a new deal with United.