Tottenham made shock approach for Manchester United creator

Tottenham enquired about the availabilities of Manchester United duo Anthony Martial and Juan Mata this summer, claims Manchester Evening News.

United were heavily linked with a move for Tottenham defenders Toby Alderweireld and Danny Rose all summer but didn’t even firm up their interest with anything official.

Jose Mourinho lamented the club’s lack of action during the summer and it has now been revealed that Tottenham actually wanted to sign two United players.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side didn’t end up signing a single player and advances for Mata and Martial were quickly turned down by United.

Martial was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham after turning down a contract offer from Mourinho’s side but interest in Mata comes as a shock.

The 30-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his existing United deal but was expected to be forced out much earlier once Mourinho was appointed manager in 2016.

Mourinho pushed Mata to the fringes at Chelsea but the Spaniard has remained a key part for United during Mourinho’s tenure.

Mata, who has been linked with a sensational return to Valencia next summer, has spent most of his playing time out on the right where United lack a natural winger.

The Spain international hasn’t scored December but no United player has created more goalscoring chances than Mata under Mourinho in the Premier League (98).