Tottenham Hotspur continue to be strongly linked with a move for Aston Villa's Jack Grealish - as recently covered by The Mirror - but the London club should drop their interest to pursue a possible deal for Manchester United's Juan Mata.

What's the story?

Tottenham are one of a number of clubs believed to be interested in a move for Grealish, who is widely expected to leave Villa Park in this summer's transfer window.

Villa would have found it difficult to keep the 22-year-old regardless of their financial problems, having failed to secure a return to the Premier League.

Villa reportedly value Grealish in the region of £40m, but according to The Mirror, Spurs are in no rush to complete a deal as they look to take advantage of the Championship club's issues.

Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in a player who scored three times and registered five assists in 27 Championship appearances last season.

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Mauricio Pochettino's side, however, should be looking at a potential deal for United attacker Mata, who may well become available in this summer's transfer window.

Why would Mata suit Tottenham?

There are currently no indications that United boss Jose Mourinho would be prepared to sell Mata this summer, with the Spaniard a regular last term.

Indeed, the former Valencia attacker, who is valued at £27m by transfermarkt.co.uk, made 40 appearances in all competitions during the 2017-18 campaign, but he actually only managed three goals.

Fred's arrival at Old Trafford means that Mourinho will more than likely switch to a 4-3-3 formation next season, and Mata will find it difficult to gain one of the wide positions, with Alexis Sanchez's January arrival providing more competition.

At the age of 30, Mata will want first-team football, and his football brain and ability to work the ball in tight areas would be perfect for Tottenham.

Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Harry Kane would all benefit operating alongside a player of Mata's ilk and experience, and Tottenham should test the water with a bid for the 41-time Spain international in this summer's transfer window.