Tottenham Hotspur will be very interested in the latest update on the future of Jean-Philippe Mateta after exploring a move for the Crystal Palace star in the summer.It has been widely reported that Spurs have already started scouring the market for a new number nine ahead of the January window to address their issues in front of goal.One player who the Lilywhites will keep an eye on is Mateta, who Roberto De Zerbi’s men allegedly explored a move for in the dying stages of the summer window.It was reported at the time that the Eagles were willing to sell the Frenchman to Spurs for £25m, but the centre-forward ended up staying put at Selhurst Park.Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty ImagesTottenham target Jean-Philippe Mateta guaranteed to leave Crystal Palace soonJournalist Pete O’Rourke has now revealed that Mateta will not sign a new deal with the South London club, having made up his mind to leave.The only question is whether he will leave as a free agent next summer or whether the Eagles decide to cash in on him in the upcoming transfer window.O’Rourke told Football Insider: “His future is pretty much certain at Palace right now, he’s in the final year of his contract and we do expect him to leave Palace. The question is about whether that’s in January or next summer when his contract expires, that’s the decision Crystal Palace have to make.“He obviously came very close to leaving last January when that move to Milan was agreed, but it eventually fell through after a medical. There are a number of clubs looking at Mateta, so a lot will depend on what Palace want to do and whether they see January as their last chance to cash in on him.“But Palace are resigned to losing him at some point in the near future, it’s just about whether it happens in January or let him leave when his contract expires in the summer.”Spurs could face plenty of competition for MatetaFootball Insider claim that a number of clubs across the Premier League and Europe are keeping a close eye on the France international’s contract situation.The possibility of the Eagles potentially opening the door to offers in January is said to have placed several of Mateta’s suitors ‘on alert ‘.While the report does not name any of the interested parties, it was reported during the summer that Aston Villa had an offer rejected for the Spurs striker target.READ MORE: Arthur Dias transfer update: Tottenham watch on as centre-back makes Brazil debutThe post After Robertson and Senesi, Tottenham could eye up another free agent in 2027 appeared first on Spurs Web.