Manchester United and Spurs set for January transfer battle over Newcastle striker

A decent prospect but he may not send pulses racing.

Newcastle United's recent upturn in fortunes have been, in part, due to the blossoming strike partnership between Ayoze Perez and Aleksandar Mitrovic. Perez has been given an extended first team run by Steve McClaren and has rewarded his coach with some crucial goals, including the winner against Bournemouth on Sunday. Just as Toon fans get their hopes up about ascending the table, some transfer sharks are circling. Two separate newspapers run with pieces, this morning, linking the 22-year-old Spaniard to a move away from Tyneside. The Telegraph reports that Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Perez several times with glowing write-ups making their way to Louis van Gaal. Perez, who cost Newcastle £2m from Tenerife last year, may set United back as much as £12m. A return of 10 goals in 46 games [33 starts] has not deterred Manchester United. There may be competition for Perez' signature from Tottenham, according to The Daily Star. The paper declares that Mauricio Pochettino is "desperate" to increase his striking options, especially with a Champions League spot up for grabs.