Tottenham and Liverpool are expected to compete for the signature of Atletico Madrid forward Adrian Lopez when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

The Spain international has long been linked with a possible move to the Premier League after a superb debut season at Atletico where he scored 11 goals in the Europa League to help the Spanish side lift the trophy.

Adrian Lopez
Adrian Lopez celebrates after scoring on his international debut for Spain [Reuters]

Spanish newspaper AS has reported that there has been interest in Adrian from a number of English clubs, with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger listed as one manager who was said to be keen on signing the 25-year-old.

However, it now believes that it will be Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham that are keen to sign the striker, though it suggests that there may still be some competition for his signature in the form of Liverpool.

Both clubs are seemingly short of options in attack with Tottenham relying on just two senior forwards in Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe to guide them to a top four finish.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas did attempt to sign Internacional striker Leandro Damiao during the January transfer window and may well decide that he needs more options if they do qualify for the Champions League next season.

Adrian may have been far from prolific in his career, scoring just 50 goals in his eight year first team career, but he has worked well as a second striker and last season excelled while playing alongside Radamel Falcao.

He has featured in 20 league games this season, though only ten have been starts, and has scored three goals as Falcao has once again been the in-form striker.

His ability to support a lone forward or play in a front three may also hold some appeal for Liverpool who may well be looking to further bolster their attacking options after an indifferent season.

Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez have impressed but there appears little in reserve as Fabio Borini has struggled to adapt and has been unfortunate in picking up two long-term injuries.

Should Tottenham or Liverpool decide to pursue Adrian then it is unlikely that he would break the bank as he was signed on a free by Atletico and is not a regular starter.