It's Mata of fact for Harry! Spurs boss confirms interest in Valencia midfielder

By Sportsmail Reporter
Updated: 05:39 EDT, 31 July 2011

Spurs have joined the race to sign midfielder Juan Mata from Valencia.

Boss Harry Redknapp said: '[Mata] is a player that we like. So do Arsenal and so do other clubs. I went to watch him when England Under-21 played Spain and I thought he looked fantastic.

'The chairman has been dealing with it so where it is I don't know – I don't deal with them transfers. I wouldn't want to say that it isn't happening in case we sign him tomorrow and you all say 'thanks Harry', but he's a player we like.'

Spurred on: Redknapp is making no secret of his desire to sign Mata

Arsenal are understood to be prepared to pay around £22million for Mata who could have a straight choice between the North London clubs.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly lining up a £10m bid for Lyon midfielder Miralem Pjanic.

The 21-year-old Bosnian star is highly rated in France but his arrival would increase doubts over the long-term future of Luka Modric who is wanted by Chelsea.