Tottenham's dream January striker transfer could hinge on major Crystal Palace decision

Tottenham are said to have a big attacking transfer on their shortlist, but whether they can get it done may depend on a London rival. Spurs have a dire need for attackers this month after being dealt a number of injury blows over recent weeks.

Richarlison is the latest blow, with the Brazilian ruled out for at least a couple of months, and that adds to Mohammed Kudus’ blow, with the winger sidelined for a similar period. Meanwhile, Rodrigo Bentancur is out until some time in the spring, with Conor Gallagher brought in to fill the gap, and Dejan Kulusevski remains out for at least another couple of weeks having been out all season.

Spurs also sold Brennan Johnson early in the window, a decision they may now regret, and all that has led to limited depth in the front line, in particular. Thomas Frank needs help and quickly, especially with his side having slipped away from the European spot, now in the bottom half and five points off a Conference League spot.

More signings will be made, but it remains to be seen who will be snapped up and how much Spurs are willing to sell, given January is a pricey month to do business. One potential target is Canadian striker Jonathan David, who has long been linked with a move to the Premier League.

David joined Juventus on a free transfer in the summer, and he has since scored five times and assisting three times in 26 appearances across all competitions. The striker has not hit the ground running, but he is, of course, adapting to a new league.

According to Sports Boom, Tottenham are among David’s admirers this month, but it may be tough to convince Juventus to sell, given they don’t want any major exits this month.

Mateta could be key

While Juventus don’t want to sell any key players this month, that could change if they get hold of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. According to Fabrizio Romano, Juve have already held ‘very positive’ talks with Mateta over personal terms.

Though, it’s not clear whether Palace will sell, given they could already lose Marc Guehi this month despite previously believing the defender would leave at the end of his contract this summer. Manchester City now look as though they could pinch Guehi, and it would be a huge double blow if Juventus end up with Mateta.

As far as Tottenham are concerned, Mateta making that move to Turin may be the only way they get a sniff at David.

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