Jean-Philippe Mateta joined Mainz in 2018 and impressed in his debut season, scoring 14 goals and managing three assists in the Bundesliga.
Watford, Everton, Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United and Cardiff City were interested in the striker in the summer, but Mainz director Rouven Schröder was able to fend off interest by extending the Frenchman’s contract until 2023.
The 22-year-old is sidelined with an injury, but that hasn’t stopped him from drawing Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur’s attention, according to Sport Bild.
Mateta underwent a meniscus operation, and after rehab, Tottenham and Southampton contacted the player’s agent Pierre-Henri Bovis about his client.
Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino personally called the Mainz star’s representative as he’s looking to try and help the north London club beat Southampton to attacker’s transfer.
Mateta, who is expected to return to action in November, has not ruled out a transfer in January. 
Mainz turned down an offer of around €28m from Newcastle in the last window because it was deemed ‘too little’.
He has no release clause and the report claims Schröder has set a minimum asking price of €30m. His market value is around €22m.
Mateta hasn’t featured even once this season and therefore, it’s best for Southampton and Tottenham to wait and see how he performs after returning from injury.
