Tottenham attempt to hijack Arsenal's Mata bid

Tottenham have launched a late bid to hijack Arsenal's move for Spain Under 21 captain Juan Mata, according to the 'Daily Mail'.

The north London rivals are bidding for one of Spain's brightest midfield prospects, who has a £17.5 million buyout clause in his Valencia contract.

Both Arsenal and Spurs are facing up to losing their most creative players in Cesc Fabregas and Luka Modric, and Mata is considered an ideal replacement for the pair.

While Mata's release clause is set quite high for a player who featured for just 20 minutes in Spain's triumphant World Cup campaign, it is believed he could be available for £13.2 million.

Spanish newspaper 'Sport' reports that the Gunners had already met that figure when Tottenham too played their hand.

Mata's father is now said to be considering both offers with Valencia acknowledging their star man wants out.

The Blues have had two bids of £22 million and then an improved £27 million rejected for the Croatian international, who has also handed in a transfer request.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has said that even £35 million - the fee Arsenal are expected to accept for Fabregas - wouldn't be enough to tempt the club into selling the man many believed was their player of the season.

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