Arsenal Transfer News: Tottenham Confirm Interest in Gunner Target

Tottenham enter the race to sign Mata

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has admitted that the White Hart Lane club is interested in Valencia winger and reported Arsenal target, Juan Mata.

The 23-year-old player, who impressed at the recently concluded Spain’s successful U-21 European Championship, is also wanted by a host of other clubs including Liverpool and Barcelona.

Valencia are determined to keep a hold on their star player after overseeing David Villa and David Silva leave the club before the beginning of last season.

Redknapp said that he has left the matter in the hands of Chairman Daniel Levy. Speaking after Spurs’ pre-season friendly win at Brighton on Saturday, Redknapp said:

“The chairman has been dealing with it. He is a player we like, obviously, so do Arsenal, so do a few other clubs, but where it’s all at I don’t know.

“He’s a player I went and saw when England played Spain Under 21s and I thought he looked fantastic.

“Whether anything happens I wouldn’t be sure, the chairman is the only person who has been dealing with those transfers.”

Redknapp also added that Spurs must add to their squad if they are to regain the Champions League spot next season.

“I hope we can. I hope so because, at the moment, we have a problem. Sandro is out for three months and Tom Huddlestone has to see a specialist. Wilson Palacios is just coming back, so in terms of senior [midfield] players we only have Luka Modric and Jermaine Jenas, so it’s an area we do need to strengthen for sure.”