Inter Milan's Mauro Icardi (L) celebrates with his team mate Fredy Guarin after scoring a goal against Atalanta during their Serie A soccer match at the San Siro stadium in Milan March 23, 2014.
Inter Milan's Mauro Icardi (L) celebrates with team-mate Fredy Guarin after scoring against Atalanta during their Serie A match at the San Siro stadium in Milan March 23, 2014. Reuters

Atletico Madrid are ready to go head-to-head with Tottenham to sign Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, according to reports.

The 21-year-old, who joined the Italian giants in the summer from Sampdoria, has made an outstanding start to his Serie A career with six goals -- including a brace in the 2-2 draw against Bologna at the weekend -- in his 18 league appearances.

Atletico Madrid have been scanning the transfer market for a forward in the event they lose Diego Costa to Chelsea.

It is expected Costa will follow in the footsteps of several strikers nurtured by Atletico -- such as Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero and Radamel Falcao -- in a move away from La Liga this summer.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Spanish side have been monitoring the progress of Argentine youngster Icardi as their next potential frontman ahead of the summer transfer window with Inter willing to part with the player for about €20m.

Tottenham have also been tracking the young striker for some time but is one of a number of talents on a shortlist being compiled by Spurs technical director Franco Baldini.

Premier League