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Liverpool are positing themselves to sign Darwin Nunez, according to Mundo Deportivo, as the Uruguay international would reportedly like to return from Al-Hilal.

Barcelona, Chelsea and Newcastle United are also credited with an interest in Nunez, who could become available as a free agent after claims the Saudi Pro League club have an agreement in principle to mutually terminate his contract.

The Catalan club are said to have him on their list of alternatives to Julian Alvarez, with Atletico Madrid intent on keeping the former Manchester City forward, as they look to replace Robert Lewandowski, who left at the end of last season.

Micky van de Ven says he has spoken to Jan Paul van Hecke about Tottenham Hotspur.

The current Spurs defender said at a Netherlands national team press conference that he thinks "it is a good step" for his international team-mate to join the club from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Dutch head coach Ronald Koeman has also conceded that he cannnot stop players completing transfers while the World Cup is on. He has said:

Ideally, I would prefer a player to have peace of mind regarding his club, and that there is clarity about the future, but I cannot stop it.

Jan Paul van Hecke only wants to sign for Tottenham Hotspur, according to Voetbal International, despite Brighton & Hove Albion turning down two bids for the defender. Both bids are in excess of £43million, according to the Dutch outlet, but the Seagulls reputedly want more like £60-70million for him.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United are also credited with an interest in Van Jecke, but he reportedly wants a reunion with Roberto De Zerbi this summer. It is said that agreeing a contract with Spurs will be straightforward, with the player reportedly enthusiastic about talks with his former Brighton head coach.

Real Madrid will reportedly make a £130million offer for Michael Olise now that the club have re-elected Florentino Perez as their president.

Perez is due to make Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate their first signings of the summer after already welcoming back Jose Mourinho as the club's head coach. However, he has also said that Madrid will make a club-record £ 130 million offer on Tuesday, which is reportedly for Michael Olise.

Bayern Munich have pre-emptively ruled out any move by saying that the France international is not for sale. However, it remains unclear whether Perez will relent at all.

Mason Greenwood's reported deal to join Fenerbahce will not now go ahead after Aziz Yildirim won the Turkish club's elections instead of Hakan Safi.

The latter promised that he would be signing from Marseille, alongside Hakan Calhanoglu, Luis Suarez and Merih Demiral. However, all four deals are now off, according to Fabrizio Romano.

As a result, Manchester United will miss out on a sizeable transfer fee after agreeing a 40 per cent sell-on clause with the French club two years ago. Marseille reportedly want the best part of £50million to sell Greenwood this summer, but Fenerbahce will not be paying.

The summer transfer window is now just a week away from opening and it appears likely to busy a busy next few days before the World Cup begins on Thursday.

Several players due to play at the tournament in North America are subject to significant interest and could look resolve any uncertainty around their futures before any action begins. However, there are other who will likely shelve any talk of transfers until they are no longer competing, which could be as late as 19 July for individuals representing one of the two teams who reach the final in New Jersey.

William Osula has admitted that he hopes to play an important role for Denmark by performing well for Newcastle United.

The forward has been linked with a move away from the Magpies this summer, said via Danish outlet Bold: “Now I have made my debut and I am very grateful for that.

"If I continue to play well at club level, I hope I can become important for the national team and play a role here. I have to keep showing what I can do on the field and keep knocking."

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has told Florentino Perez he would be wasting his time making a bid for Michael Olise.

It has been reported that Real will launch a €150m (£130m) bid for Olise if Perez wins re-election as the club’s president.

But speaking to German publication BILD, Hainer said: “If Florentino Perez wants to send us a bid for Olise - which has not happened so far - he can save the trouble.

“Michael Olise is a player of FC Bayern with a long-term contract. We are not a selling club.”

Al Hilal are hoping to tempt Liverpool chief Richard Hughes to join them once the summer has ended.

Hughes currently works as Liverpool’s sporting director and has just helped hire Andoni Iraola as their new manager.

But reports claim the Saudi Pro League champions want to lure him away after the summer transfer window has closed, but Hughes is very much involved in Liverpool's rebuild post-Arne Slot and will need a tempting offer to walk away.

Some movement in the dugout and Robin Van Persie has been sacked by Feyenoord.

The former Arsenal and Man Utd star led the club to second place in the Eredivisie this season, but they ultimately finished 19 points behind the eventual champions PSV.

Van Persie began his career at Feyenoord as a player and was handed the chance to manage the team, but he has failed to see out his contract.

Sandro Tonali is among the player at Newcastle said to be considering their options in this transfer window, but he won't come cheap.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Magpies have set an asking price of £100m for the 26-year-old.

Arsenal and Man Utd are among those keen on the ex-AC Milan man and the report states that the hefty figure ‘doesn't scare’ them off as they ponder making a move.

Marseille will demand £47.5m before they consider selling Mason Greenwood this summer as talk of his exit from France ramps up.

The former Manchester United striker has continued to rebuild his career in Europe, spending the last two years at the Stade Velodrome. Greenwood has scored 48 times for Marseille and become one of their most potent attacking weapons.

The Ligue 1 side will have no interest in letting the 24-year-old leave on the cheap and Fabrizio Romano claims they want an initial £43.2m before any add-ons to entertain Greenwood's exit.

Chelsea have made an enquiry about signing Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, according to reports.

He is currently in the United States preparing for the World Cup with England, but it is understood that the Blues are interested in bolstering their goalkeeping ranks this summer with Xabi Alonso now in charge.

Tottenham, who also have a new manager, are also said to be keeping tabs.

Barcelona newboy Anthony Gordon has confessed that Marcus Rashford has been helping him prepare for life in Spain.

The Catalans spent £70m to land Gordon from Newcastle, which could impact on their ability to land Rashford, but the Man Utd loanee is still doing all he can to help.

He told talkSPORT: "He was just telling me how good the lads are there, the team spirit that they have, which I heard already from the people in Barca.

“So I'm really looking forward to joining up with them. He was also telling me about the city, places to live. He's a lovely guy, very caring. So he was just giving me a bit of information.”

Tottenham have had a second bid for Paul Jan van Hecke rejected by Brighton.

Roberto de Zerbi wants to land the Dutch centre-back this summer. Van Hecke is expected to leave Brighton this summer given he has just one year left to run on his contract, and Brighton chief executive Paul Barber has confirmed that Spurs are not the only interested team.

He told talkSPORT: "There's always going to be a lot of interest in our best players, and certainly in the case of Jan Paul.

"We've been very clear that that interest has been ongoing for a while, and it's coming from multiple sources. We have rejected a bid from Tottenham over the last week, in fact [it was] two bids. It has to be right for us, as well as the player."

Vuskovic is open to leaving Tottenham this summer, according to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari.

Bayern Munich and several Premier League clubs are said to have already made initial contact to explore a possible deal.

The youngster enjoyed an impressive loan spell with Hamburg this season, and Vuskovic made no secret of his desire to stay there so he could play alongside his brother, whose doping ban is believed to end in November.

Tottenham are ready to carry on their summer spending spree with a move for Man City winger Savinho.

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi is overseeing a huge transfer splurge to bolster the squad and £50m-rated Savinho is ready to move to London. The 22-year-old was a target last summer but City resisted the move and the Brazilian also wanted to stay and fight for his place.

But City have their own rebuilding plans and Savinho now fancies a new adventure with Spurs and will push to get the deal done.

Sky Sports Germany report that Klopp’s agent says he 'does not want to work as a coach at a club' after Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme claimed he would move for him if elected.

Meanwhile, Klopp's advisor Marc Kosicke responded to Riquelme’s comments on Sky Sports. "It's annoying!," he admitted. "Jurgen Klopp is happy in his role at RedBull and has no ambitions to work as a coach in a club."

Klopp has also repeatedly stated recently that he does not intend to return to coaching in the short term.

L'Equipe report that Mbappe could walk away from Nike as he considers joining a brand that has yet to establish itself in football.

He is said to be keen on helping the company grow globally, in a way similar to Michael Jordan’s transformative impact with Nike.

According to Alan Nixon, the goalkeeper is being viewed as either a back‑up or third‑choice option, with Senne Lammens the undisputed No.1.

There is also uncertainty at the back for United, with the club hopeful of selling Andre Onana this summer following his loan spell at Trabzonspor.

The future of Radek Vitek is also uncertain. The 22‑year‑old enjoyed a productive loan spell at Bristol City last season, and there is expected to be strong interest in his next move.

Tottenham have had an opening offer for Jan Paul van Hecke rejected by Brighton.

The Seagulls are believed to value the centre‑back at £60–70million, while Chelsea are monitoring the situation and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest.

Journalist Christian Falk reports that Bayern Munich have been tracking Gabriel Martinelli for some time.

The Gunners are said to have set a €50m (£43m) price tag as they look for another option on the left wing. However, a move to Bayern is described as difficult, with Martinelli reportedly reluctant to join a squad where he would be competing with Michael Olise and Luis Diaz for minutes.

German journalist Christian Falk claims Rogers is being targeted by Bayern Munich this summer.

The 23‑year‑old playmaker has caught the eye of several clubs after a standout season, registering 14 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. However, with Premier League sides circling, the Bavarian club may find it difficult to secure a deal.

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on another summer transfer signing

Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke has reportedly 'made his mind up' and is eager to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer following two rejected bids. Dutch publication VI News suggests the Dutch international is enthusiastic about linking up again with Roberto De Zerbi in north London, despite 'two bids' being turned down.

The report indicates Spurs are facing interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United, but the Lilywhites appear favourites to secure his signature, provided the two clubs can reach an understanding. According to the outlet, Van Hecke was impressed by discussions with his previous Brighton manager, De Zerbi, and agreeing personal terms with Spurs would be 'a piece of cake.'

It further states that Spurs are working to finalise the transfer to allow the defender to concentrate on the World Cup this summer.

OPINION

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Should Spurs manage to complete a deal ahead of the World Cup, Van Hecke would become their third summer acquisition after securing former Liverpool defender Andy Robertson and ex-Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi.

The latter has not yet been officially confirmed, but the Argentinian defender is widely anticipated to be donning Spurs colours next season. Reports claim Senesi underwent his medical in north London on Saturday and put pen to paper on a four-year contract before departing on holiday.

Senesi could shortly be heading to the World Cup as a late call-up for Leonardo Balerdi, who picked up an injury prior to the tournament. The defender is amongst the names being suggested to link up with Lionel Scaloni's squad in the United States, alongside Marcos Acuna, Nicolas Capaldo, Agustin Giay, Kevin Mac Allister and Martinez Quarta.

His exclusion from the initial squad raised eyebrows following a strong season for Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth. Whether a World Cup call-up would affect any potential switch to Spurs remains uncertain, but if reports are accurate, the transfer appears largely a done deal.

De Zerbi has wasted no time in bolstering his options in defence as the club look to kick on and avoid a repeat of the relegation battle they found themselves in this year.

Signing experienced leaders like Robertson is a major step in the right direction and explaining that signing, the Spurs boss said: "Andy is someone I've admired for a number of years and he will bring outstanding technical qualities, experience, leadership and mentality to our team.

"He is a proven winner at the highest level over a long period and is someone who can be a big player for us, both on and off the pitch. I can't wait to start working with him and seeing the positive impact he will have on everyone around him."

Spurs sporting director, Johan Lange, said: "We are delighted to welcome Andy to the club. First and foremost, he is an outstanding left-back - one of the best of all time in the Premier League, and someone who will improve our squad.

"In addition, his quality, character and leadership have been evident throughout a career in which he has regularly competed for - and won - major honours. Andy's professionalism and commitment will also be invaluable to the development of our squad, and he shares our ambition and determination to bring success back to the Club.

"We are excited for Andy's new chapter with us and look forward to having him here after the World Cup."

Tottenham Hotspur face a vital summer transfer window as Roberto De Zerbi looks to rebuild his squad

Tottenham Hotspur are approaching a crucial summer transfer window after staving off the threat of relegation. Roberto De Zerbi fulfilled his primary goal, but the manager will not want to endure another relegation scrap next season.

Spurs have finished 17th in consecutive campaigns and will look to new signings to help turn their fortunes around. Considering the injury problems that have also afflicted Tottenham in recent seasons, a fully available squad would likewise help bolster De Zerbi's side.

"From tonight, we have to start to organise and to build a new team. I think we have now to change too many players," the Spurs manager said following their survival. "We have 10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay."

A hectic summer appears on the cards for Tottenham as the boss looks to reshape his squad. Here is how De Zerbi's ideal XI could take shape next term.

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In goal, Antonin Kinsky put his earlier difficulties behind him and made his case to be number one, regardless of whether Spurs bring in a new goalkeeper this summer. The 23-year-old featured in seven league matches while Guglielmo Vicario, who has attracted transfer speculation, was sidelined through injury and quickly adapted to De Zerbi's approach.

Spurs have made bolstering their defence a key objective after enduring a difficult campaign near the bottom of the table. Andy Robertson brings a wealth of experience at left-back after joining on a free transfer from Liverpool, with the Scotland international hoping to start the season at the top of the pecking order. Pedro Porro retains his place at right-back.

Centre-back has emerged as a position of significant focus. The club have reached an agreement for Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi and have had offers rejected for Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke, who previously worked under De Zerbi at the Seagulls.

The Dutch defender would be well-versed in what the Spurs manager demands and could slot effortlessly into the Tottenham setup should a deal be struck, making him a perfect signing for De Zerbi, though this does raise fresh questions about Cristian Romero's future. Micky van de Ven would take up the left side of a newly-formed centre-back pairing, keeping his place ahead of summer recruit Senesi.

In midfield, Joao Palhinha caught the eye during his loan spell from Bayern Munich and would ideally join Spurs permanently. Several players could partner Palhinha, but De Zerbi placed his trust in Rodrigo Bentancur during the closing stages of last season.

James Maddison was also able to regain fitness for the closing matches of the season and will be keen to make up for lost time, though Xavi Simons offers quality competition for his place. Tottenham felt the absence of Maddison's creative spark in attacking midfield, especially as numerous other forwards also struggled with fitness issues.

Dejan Kulusevski is another player who could prove to be like a fresh signing on the right flank following a season-long injury as he continues his path back to full fitness. On the left wing, the club have rekindled their interest in Manchester City's Savinho.

The 22-year-old has demonstrated considerable potential during his spell at City, and Tottenham could provide the £50m-rated winger with consistent playing time. In attack, Dominic Solanke will spearhead the line for Spurs, despite the club seeking a new striker.

Tottenham's dream XI: Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Palhinha, Bentancur, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Savinho.

Tottenham have already landed the signing of Andy Robertson after he left Liverpool, with Roberto De Zerbi now lining up a number of deals at the start of the summer window

Tottenham are ready to carry on their summer spending spree with a move for Manchester City winger Savinho.

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi is overseeing a huge transfer splurge to bolster the squad and £50m-rated Savinho is ready to move to London.

That follows Tottenham sealing a free transfer for Liverpool left back Andy Robertson to give them much needed experience.

They have also agreed a deal in principle for Bournemouth ’s Argentina centre half Marcos Senesi and have had an opening bid turned down for Jan Paul ven Hecke, who Brighton value at £70m, but talks are ongoing.

The move for Savinho underlines Tottenham mean business this summer as the club hierarchy look to completely rebuild a squad which only avoided relegation on the final day of last season.

Savinho, 22, was a target last summer but City resisted the move and the Brazilian also wanted to stay and fight for his place. But City have their own rebuilding plans and Savinho now fancies a new adventure with Spurs and will push to get the deal done.

There are also likely to be departures with Cristian Romero a likely departure while there is strong interest in Mathys Tel.

De Zerbi was delighted to get the deal for Robertson over the line, after Spurs missed out on his signature before his arrival in January.

Speaking about the left-back, De Zerbi said: "Andy is someone I've admired for a number of years and he will bring outstanding technical qualities, experience, leadership and mentality to our team.

"He is a proven winner at the highest level over a long period and is someone who can be a big player for us, both on and off the pitch. I can't wait to start working with him and seeing the positive impact he will have on everyone around him."

In a message delivered to supporters following last season's dismal campaign, the Tottenham hierarchy promised a 'full reset' and their commitment to building a team capable of competing at the higher end of English and European football.

As part of that, Tottenham assured fans they 'will invest across multiple transfer windows to rebuild, balance and strengthen, with this summer representing an important first step in that work'.

Tottenham have confirmed the transfer of Andy Robertson but shouldn't rest on their laurels before snapping up the obvious next top priority

Tottenham have already made their first move in the summer transfer window following confirmation of Andy Robertson's arrival. And maintaining the free agent approach, Spurs' next piece of business must be securing Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi after the defender announced his departure from the Vitality Stadium.

Among the Premier League's most impressive central defenders in recent seasons, the recently turned 29-year -old represents, quite simply, too good an opportunity to let slip. Roberto De Zerbi's overriding priority this summer has to be shoring up a backline that conceded 57 Premier League goals this campaign and Senesi offers too much promise to overlook.

Lionel Scaloni has, somewhat surprisingly, opted to leave the soon-to-be ex-Cherries star out of his World Cup 2026 squad. This simplifies matters from a Spurs standpoint in that there need be no hold-up in opening discussions with the player and his representatives.

However, that also carries the additional danger that if Tottenham don't act swiftly and decisively, a rival club could pounce. All the more justification for making him the club's top priority as their next signing.

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Micky van de Ven's future remains a topic of debate amid growing interest in his services. That concern has been partially eased following the club's top-flight survival, but other considerations mean reinforcements at centre-back are still required.

Captain Cristian Romero continues to attract speculation regarding a departure from north London once the World Cup concludes. There is also the matter of Luka Vukskovic to address following the youngster's impressive loan spell at Hamburg, though he is similarly being linked with a significant transfer elsewhere.

It is yet to be determined whether Ben Davies will be handed a fresh short-term deal, though the Welsh defender could depart this summer. Questions also persist over whether Joao Palhinha will complete a permanent switch from Bayern Munich, with the Portugal international having provided crucial defensive cover in the holding midfield role.

Speaking to football.london recently, Spurs legend Toby Alderweireld offered his thoughts on the reported interest in Senesi and Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke. He spoke favourably of both potential signings, though Van Hecke presents the considerable obstacle of an anticipated price tag exceeding £70million.

"They both know the Premier League. That's good, because I think Spurs now need stability," said the Belgian. "They need to know the players can perform every week, week in, week out. They perform on a good level. Of course, a transfer to a new club, it's always a bit different, but they know the Premier League and that's very important.

"Because next season, it's impossible that we go back to this [awful] period. So I think it's understanding they are looking for players who are proven in the Premier League. That's something they should do. They should have a little bit more security in that."

Alderweireld was right to emphasise Spurs "don't have the time" to wait for signings who might require time to acclimatise to the Premier League. Senesi has demonstrated across his four years in England he possesses the requisite quality and his availability on a free reduces any worries stemming from the fact he's older than Spurs would ideally prefer in a new recruit.

Should Vuskovic be willing to test himself under De Zerbi, it would significantly lighten the defensive burden. That said, it seems a substantial 'if' given speculation linking him with Bayern, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

In the interim, it would be foolish to pass up the chance offered by bringing in Senesi without a fee. The South American would represent a perfect replacement should compatriot Romero opt to move on but Spurs must move swiftly to send a clear message of their ambition to return to the top end of the table.

Thomas Frank has opened up on his Tottenham exit and made a decision on his next job amid rumours linking him with a return to a Premier League club this summer

Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has confirmed he will not return to management this summer.

Frank was sacked by Spurs back in mid-February, despite only being appointed last June. During his time in north London, the 52-year-old won 13 and drawn 11 of his 38 matches in charge.

The Dane, who previously spent seven years at Brentford, has been linked with a number of jobs since leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank has been placed on Crystal Palace's shortlist to replace Oliver Glasner and has been tipped to succeed Marco Silva at Fulham.

But now, Frank has revealed he won't be stepping back into the dugout before the start of next season, instead taking a break, spending time with family and friends, as well as working at the World Cup.

"I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has reached out over the past few months," Frank said in a statement on Friday afternoon. "Your support and encouragement have been greatly appreciated.

"Leaving Tottenham has given me the chance to step back and reflect on my journey so far. Football management is a profession that demands complete commitment every single day, and periods like this are a rare opportunity to assess, learn and gain a fresh perspective.

"From the outside, it may have looked like a time of many challenges at Tottenham when results were not what we wanted. From within, however, it becomes clear why the club is so special - full of talented people who work tirelessly every day. I have no doubt Tottenham has a bright future.

"Football remains a huge part of who I am, and I have chosen to use this time productively. Over the coming months, besides spending time with family and friends, I will continue studying, observing and learning from other leaders both within sport and beyond it.

"I am also looking forward to covering the World Cup for Danish television and the BBC, as well as experiencing the Tour de France. Time away from the touchline is allowing me to broaden my perspective and gather insights that I look forward to bringing into my next challenge.

"There have been conversations and opportunities since leaving Spurs, but I have decided not to rush into the next role. For me, this summer is not the right time to go back into management.

"When the time is right, I will look forward to my return as a manager, ready to embrace the job with great energy and dedication."

Frank's career has spanned almost two decades now, but it was his time at Brentford where he established himself as a top manager in English football. First, he earned promotion to the Premier League with the Bees, before cementing them as a comfortable top flight outfit.

While some felt his move to Spurs last summer was the perfect next step for Frank, it's safe to suggest he struggled in that role and was axed in February as fears increased about the club's relegation status.

Tottenham have announced that Andy Robertson will join the club once his Liverpool contract expires

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Andy Robertson. The Scotland international was due to Liverpool at the end of his contract with Spurs announcing he will officially become their player on July 1, 2026.

Speaking on his arrival, head coach Roberto De Zerbi said: "Andy is someone I've admired for a number of years and he will bring outstanding technical qualities, experience, leadership and mentality to our team.

"He is a proven winner at the highest level over a long period and is someone who can be a big player for us, both on and off the pitch.

"I can't wait to start working with him and seeing the positive impact he will have on everyone around him."

Upon sealing his next move, Robertson said: "Hi Tottenham fans, Andy Robertson here. As you can see, I'm not in Glasgow, I'm in America preparing for the World Cup but I just wanted to send you a quick message to say I cannot wait to play for you guys, meet you guys and play in the stadium for the first time [as a Spurs player] in front of you.

"I'm already looking forward to next season, all the best and I'll see you soon."

Sporting director Johan Lange added: "We are delighted to welcome Andy to the club. First and foremost, he is an outstanding left-back - one of the best of all time in the Premier League, and someone who will improve our squad.

"In addition, his quality, character and leadership have been evident throughout a career in which he has regularly competed for - and won - major honours.

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"Andy's professionalism and commitment will also be invaluable to the development of our squad, and he shares our ambition and determination to bring success back to the Club. We are excited for Andy's new chapter with us and look forward to having him here after the World Cup."

The 32-year-old looked set to join Spurs in January but made the decision to stay at Anfield for the remainder of the season. The Lilywhites staying up on the final day sealed his arrival for the 2026/27 season.

Robertson is the first of two defensive signings expected to be confirmed by the club with Marcos Senesi set to join after departing Bournemouth as a free agent.

De Zerbi appears to be targeting a significant rebuild at the back with a sizeable bid submitted for his former Brighton centre-back Jan Paul Van Hecke.

With Croatian wonderkid Luka Vuskovic still to come back into the fold, that likely means at least one of Micky van de Ven or Cristian Romero will depart.

The former has been linked with a move to Liverpool and has been a fan of the club since he was young.

How a revamped Tottenham midfield could look under Roberto De Zerbi could look next season

It's fair to say Tottenham need to strengthen in all areas of the pitch following a torrid season. After going through three managers, Spurs retained their Premier League status by the skin of their teeth following a final-day win over Everton, with West Ham plunging into the Championship instead.

Until Roberto De Zerbi arrived, it was Tottenham who looked more likely to drop into the second tier, an unthinkable prospect for a club still considered by some to be a member of English football's so-called 'big six'. Following the trauma of the campaign, Spurs fans won't be getting carried away.

However, an air of positivity has emerged amid confidence in De Zerbi and his methods. That hope would increase if the club could enjoy a good summer in the transfer market.

The midfield is an area in need of attention, with extra quality and more strength in depth required to cope with the rigours of a long season. A couple of deep-lying midfielders would be welcome additions.

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Youngster Archie Gray fits the mould but is still developing and needs the support of an experienced middleman, either alongside him or to take his place at times. De Zerbi had Alexis Mac Allister and Pascal Gross at Brighton and Adrien Rabiot at Marseille before leaving for AC Milan last season.

A move for World Cup winner Mac Allister shouldn't be ruled out. Mac Allister has been linked with Real Madrid, only for his father and agent to insist there had been no contact.

The Argentine, who cost the Reds £35million, had a disappointing season at Liverpool and could be available for the right price, given the Reds' need to freshen things up following a dire title defence. The likely arrival of Andy Robertson, his ex-Anfield teammate, could help.

Highly-rated Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, who is wanted by a host of Premier League clubs, would be a quality option too. Manchester City's £50million man Nico Gonzalez also looks like being available, especially if Elliot Anderson signs from Nottingham Forest.

Going back to another player De Zerbi has worked with, Carlos Baleba could be in Spurs' sights following the waning of Manchester United's interest in the Cameroonian. He would add some much-needed physicality to the midfield.

Assuming De Zerbi sticks with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, two of Mac Allister, Gonzalez and Baleba could operate behind number 10 James Maddison, who will be desperate to make up for his injury-ravaged season. Such a midfield would further increase fans' growing confidence.

Spurs' potential dream midfield: Alexis Mac Allister, Nico Gonzalez and James Maddison

Former Spurs midfielder Sandro says Tottenham must back Roberto De Zerbi like Arsenal backed Mikel Arteta – and warns Richarlison and Romero could both leave this summer

Tottenham will undergo a "massive change" under Roberto De Zerbi, but the club must place their trust in him just as Arsenal did with Mikel Arteta, according to Sandro, who played for both the Italian and Spurs.

De Zerbi has already made a striking impression at Spurs after being brought in late in the season, guiding the club to 11 points from their final six fixtures to secure their Premier League survival at West Ham's expense. That preserved Tottenham's standing and roughly £250million in potential lost revenue, meaning the 46-year-old will wield significant influence over how the club shapes its new era under his stewardship.

Former Tottenham midfielder Sandro, who lined up under De Zerbi at Italian club Benevento, believes that following four head coaches in the space of a single year, his club must back their new manager in the same fashion as the Premier League champions did to achieve success down the road.

"It will be a massive change, because now we have the idea of the philosophy. Football has changed, because people just want to be successful, but Tottenham, we have always played attacking football and we need to have someone that has the same idea and philosophy.

"Of course you’re playing in the Premier League, it's not just attack, attack and you have to be clever, you need to control the game. Guardiola for example, you can’t be more attacking than Guardiola, it's impossible, but it's very clever. We need to be balanced, attacking and direct, but be ready when we need to defend, and be ready to drop everybody back and really defend," Sandro said, speaking exclusively to Reach PLC via slots lv.

The Brazilian added: "In the beginning of Arteta managing Arsenal, everybody was criticising him saying, 'Arteta should leave, Arteta should leave', but Edu kept him. And Edu said he needed to buy the players that Arteta needed, that the players that were in the squad were not for Arteta's style, so he would give him more time, give him more years, give him the players he needs for his style of football; and look at the transition that Arsenal have done."

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"Just look at Arsenal now! It's just football, it's not like you can click and everything will happen. No. You have to have the right idea, the first thing is to have the right idea, with the right manager for the team, and then give him the players he needs. And Arsenal did that.

"But I'm telling you now, Tottenham are going to be a success in two to three years' time. We are going to be a success."

Sandro, who did some coaching work experience under De Zerbi at Brighton, believes Spurs require attacking reinforcements in the summer transfer window and welcomes the speculation linking his compatriot, Manchester City winger Savinho, to the club. He also thinks another Brazilian and an Argentinean could be heading out of N17 in the months ahead.

"For two seasons we have struggled, but now I'm very confident that De Zerbi will help Spurs, will build the club again and I think he will find the right players because he's so passionate and he already knows what he's going to do," said the 37-year-old.

"We need to strengthen the attack, with wingers and a striker, because players will probably leave, like Richarlison probably will leave. Players that we need, I heard a lot about Savinho coming in as a winger, and we need to focus on these places and that kind of player. Defenders, I don't know but Romero will probably leave as well, and we need to strengthen that central defence zone as well."

Addressing the prospect of Richarlison's departure, he continued: "Richarlison is the reason Tottenham stayed in the league, but I don't know because it's his contract that only has one year left. But if he leaves, we need one more striker and I'm not sure who, but we need to look at the market very closely because you know how business is. If you get business done early, you can do better business.

"We should get players in our mind and we should sign them before the media realise what's happening and it's done. The Eze situation [last summer] is for us to learn from."

Sandro highlighted another Brazilian as the type of attacking talent Spurs should have pursued previously.

"From before, the striker from Real Madrid, that was in Lyon in France, Endrick. That kind of striker, we need an absolute top, top striker, you know, but in Brazil, I don't think we don't have any up and coming strikers like he was a few years ago," said the former QPR man.

"But we need to find a striker who can be at that level. A loan move could potentially be good, but it depends on the World Cup, his value could go way up. But he's one of the guys that we needed, you know? We needed someone like him."

Tottenham have made an approach to Roberto De Zerbi's former club Brighton for one of their star players, who also has Premier League big guns Liverpool and Chelsea tracking him

Tottenham have had an opening bid for Jan Paul van Hecke turned down by Brighton. The central defender previously played under Roberto De Zerbi at the Seagulls, with the Italian clearly eager to reunite with the centre-back in north London.

According to The Telegraph, Spurs' initial offer for the Netherlands international fell short of Brighton's valuation, which is believed to be £70million, though talks are set to continue. Chelsea and Liverpool have also been noted as other interested parties.

Van Hecke, who has just one year remaining on his Brighton contract, is the latest defender to be linked with Tottenham. The Lilywhites have already secured deals for Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson on free transfers after their respective exits from Bournemouth and Liverpool.

Both signings were all but wrapped up back in April, though they hinged on Spurs confirming their Premier League status before either could be officially completed.

Tottenham ultimately secured their survival on the final day with a win over Everton, as West Ham United dropped down to the Championship.

Retaining their top-flight status proved crucial to shaping their summer transfer plans, allowing Spurs to pursue targets such as Van Hecke.

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And the former Blackburn Rovers loannee has been touted for a move to Spurs by ex-midfielder Sandro, who also has a close relationship with De Zerbi.

"They are talking about Marcos Senesi, at Bournemouth, but I really like the defender from Brighton, Van Hecke. I really like him. He's good on the ball, he played with De Zerbi before too," said Sandro, speaking exclusively to Reach PLC via Ivy Casino.

"He's not only good on the ball, but he can be very aggressive and in a way that he’s not stupid, he's not doing crazy things without the ball, but I think he's mature.

"For me, Van Hecke is ready. He's ready to play because he played under De Zerbi and he showed that he can play in the moment, that he's mature, and we need players that are already mature. I think we are now going to the market and have to buy players that are ready."

Sandro's fellow countrymen Savinho is also a target for Spurs with Manchester City set for a new era. The Brazilian was heavily linked with a switch to Spurs last summer, and their interest has been rekindled following another difficult campaign for the 22-year-old.

Pep Guardiola played a crucial role in persuading him to remain at the Etihad Stadium for the 2025/26 campaign, but his subsequent departure from City could prove decisive.

His diminished playing time over the past nine months also suggests Spurs may not have to fork out the £70million they were quoted last summer.