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Tottenham have a dilemma on their hands with Luka Vuskovic after rejecting two offers from Brighton for the teenage centre-back.

The 19-year-old, who established himself as one of Europe's best young defenders on loan at Hamburg, wants to be a regular starter now but is not interested in another temporary move.

Brighton's latest offer was for £35m and Sky Sports News understands that they will not go back in with a fresh proposal immediately despite agreeing a deal to sell central defender Jan Paul van Hecke to Spurs for £52m on Tuesday.

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Vuskovic's prospects of being a first-team regular at Spurs next season appear slim now, with Van Hecke set to join and Marcos Senesi already signed this summer. If Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero stay, Vuskovic will realistically be Spurs' fifth choice.

Romero's future is uncertain, just as it was last summer before he signed a new deal, but it remains to be seen if there are any clubs that would pay enough to convince Spurs to sell.

There is a real feeling at Spurs that Vuskovic could become one of the best defenders in the world but that he is not quite ready to make that step to being a regular starter in the Premier League.

There are parallels to the situation Arsenal had with William Saliba. The France international had three loans in Ligue 1 before being fully integrated into the first-team picture and becoming one of the Premier League's best defenders.

Spurs have plans to spend big this summer and, naturally, that will lead to player sales. However, in an ideal world, they will raise funds elsewhere on players who are not part of De Zerbi's future plans.

Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic says it is important that Vuskovic finds a club where he will play regularly. Spurs agree but can only offer a loan. Brighton can give the teenager what he wants but are unwilling to overpay. This situation could rumble on.

Spurs agree Van Hecke deal

The deal for Van Hecke is believed to be around £52m and the player has expressed his desire to play under 'father figure' Roberto De Zerbi.

The centre-back only wanted to join Tottenham.

The Netherlands international defender has one year left on his contract at Brighton and played under De Zerbi between 2023 and 2024.

The Seagulls would be making considerable profit on the 26-year-old, having signed him for £1.8m from NAC Breda in 2020. It is understood Brighton have negotiated a 20 per cent sell on clause in the move.

The signing is part of a huge few weeks planned at Tottenham, with the club determined to back De Zerbi in the market and major changes planned.

The club have a strong interest in Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, while they also remained interested in Manchester City forward Savinho.

Van Hecke signing a reward for De Zerbi

Sky Sports' Michael Bridge:

This is total commitment in De Zerbi and you could also say a reward for keeping Spurs up. He's kept the club up and now he's been given full control and has the final say on transfers.

With Van Hecke, they are getting a defender who is comfortable on the ball, much like Marcos Senesi, and excels at taking opposition players out of the game.

Yes, it's a big price. To put it simply, it's the player De Zerbi asked for.

A lot of people will be wondering about Cristian Romero. On his day, he is one of the best defenders in the world. But, that's on his day. He is playing about 50 per cent of the time because of injuries and suspensions. There was plenty of speculation over whether he would watch his team in the final game of the season.

I think if a big offer comes in for Romero, they will consider it. They key is whether they get a big offer.

Analysis: De Zerbi's transfer plan clear at Spurs

Sky Sports' Sam Blitz:

You don't need to be a rocket scientist to work out what Tottenham are trying to do in this transfer window: Roberto De Zerbi is looking for centre-backs who are better on the ball.

In agreeing a deal for Van Hecke - having already secured the free transfer of Marcos Senesi - Spurs are looking for excellent ball progressors in the first phase of play.

In Senesi and Van Hecke, De Zerbi is targeting two of the Premier League's best in this specific area. These were the top two players in the league last season for bypassing defenders by passing the ball.

Quite simply, they are able to soak up pressure at the back and take opposition players out the game by putting the ball through the lines.

Under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, Senesi was used to a very direct, vertical style of play where he would punch the ball through the thirds quickly.

Van Hecke, meanwhile, is accustomed to De Zerbi's intense style of play having played 50 matches under the Italian during their time together at Brighton.

That work has been built on by Fabian Hurzeler, who told Sky Sports in 2024: "It helps that the coach I had here before was De Zerbi because he integrated this style of play," when asked about his defenders playing out from the back in dangerous areas.

Spurs getting two ball-playing defenders is a sign that this is something they feel they lack. The numbers back that up. Senesi and Van Hecke are a level above Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in terms of passing ability.

If Spurs end up getting both players, what will it mean for Spurs' current centre-halves?

Tottenham have agreed a deal with Brighton to sign defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

The deal is believed to be around £52m and the player has expressed his desire to play under 'father figure' Roberto De Zerbi.

The centre-back only wanted to join Tottenham.

The Netherlands international defender has one year left on his contract at Brighton and played at The Seagulls under De Zerbi between 2023 and 2024.

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Brighton would be making a serious profit on the 26-year-old, having signed him for £1.8m from NAC Breda in 2020.

The signing is part of a huge few weeks planned at Tottenham, with the club determined to back De Zerbi in the market and major changes planned.

The club have a strong interest in Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, while they also remained interested in Manchester City forward Savinho.

Van Hecke signing a reward for De Zerbi

Sky Sports' Michael Bridge:

This is total commitment in De Zerbi and you could also say a reward for keeping Spurs up. He's kept the club up and now he's been given full control and has the final say on transfers.

With Van Hecke, they are getting a defender who is comfortable on the ball, much like Marcos Senesi, and excels at taking opposition players out of the game.

Yes, it's a big price. To put it simply, it's the player De Zerbi asked for.

A lot of people will be wondering about Cristian Romero. On his day, he is one of the best defenders in the world. But, that's on his day. He is playing about 50 per cent of the time because of injuries and suspensions. There was plenty of speculation over whether he would watch his team in the final game of the season.

I think if a big offer comes in for Romero, they will consider it. They key is whether they get a big offer.

Analysis: De Zerbi's transfer plan clear at Spurs

Sky Sports' Sam Blitz:

You don't need to be a rocket scientist to work out what Tottenham are trying to do in this transfer window: Roberto De Zerbi is looking for centre-backs who are better on the ball.

In agreeing a deal for Van Hecke - having already secured the free transfer of Marcos Senesi - Spurs are looking for excellent ball progressors in the first phase of play.

In Senesi and Van Hecke, De Zerbi is targeting two of the Premier League's best in this specific area. These were the top two players in the league last season for bypassing defenders by passing the ball.

Quite simply, they are able to soak up pressure at the back and take opposition players out the game by putting the ball through the lines.

Under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, Senesi was used to a very direct, vertical style of play where he would punch the ball through the thirds quickly.

Van Hecke, meanwhile, is accustomed to De Zerbi's intense style of play having played 50 matches under the Italian during their time together at Brighton.

That work has been built on by Fabian Hurzeler, who told Sky Sports in 2024: "It helps that the coach I had here before was De Zerbi because he integrated this style of play," when asked about his defenders playing out from the back in dangerous areas.

Spurs getting two ball-playing defenders is a sign that this is something they feel they lack. The numbers back that up. Senesi and Van Hecke are a level above Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in terms of passing ability.

If Spurs end up getting both players, what will it mean for Spurs' current centre-halves?

Tottenham want to sign Sandro Tonali this summer - but they will have a big task on their hands if they are to lure the Newcastle midfielder away from St James' Park.

The Italy international is a top target for Roberto De Zerbi as he looks to rebuild his Tottenham squad after helping the club avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Newcastle would only consider selling Tonali, who has a contract until 2029, for a huge fee. The Italian's current deal, signed in 2024 when he was serving a 10-month gambling ban, does not include a release clause, which puts Newcastle in a strong negotiating position.

Here, Sky Sports News reporters Mark McAdam and Michael Bridge offer views from both camps...

Tottenham want Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali

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The Spurs view: A statement of intent

Sky Sports News' Michael Bridge:

"This is a real statement of intent from Tottenham Hotspur.

"A few weeks ago, Vinai Venkatesham and non-executive chairman Peter Charrington were releasing statements that Spurs will be busy in the next few windows, starting with this summer, and they will be backing De Zerbi.

"De Zerbi is probably the most hands-on head coach Spurs have had for some time. Spurs have the director of football model but the message is clear - De Zerbi wants big signings and they are in for a big player.

"Newcastle United would probably look for around maybe the £80m mark, maybe even more.

"But you look at Arsenal, Declan Rice is a £100m bargain. He's elevated them on so many levels and Tonali would elevate Tottenham's midfield to a number of levels as well.

"But they've gone guns blazing already. Marcos Senesi is a really good signing, Andy Robertson brings extra leadership to the backline and the changing room.

"They want Jan Paul van Hecke at Brighton, they like [Man City's] Savinho. They're looking to make some big changes because their message was clear - they never want to be down at the bottom again.

The Newcastle view: It would take a seismic offer

Sky Sports News' Mark McAdam:

"There are a number of suitors in the Premier League for Tonali. There are a lot of teams in European circles as well that like him, but there are very few that can probably get to where Newcastle would like to be financially.

"We know that Manchester City have been one of those sides that have kept an eye on him over the course of the last few months and Arsenal are also big fans of Tonali, but this is a blockbuster deal.

"For Newcastle to sell, which they don't want to do because he's their prized asset, it would have to be a seismic offer.

"They won't want to lose someone who is so instrumental to that midfield. One of the big things about Tonali, not only is he very technically gifted, but he can play in multiple positions and that's an area of concern for Tottenham.

"They want a midfielder that can command through the middle, who's very good on the ball and can make things happen - that's exactly the missing piece that De Zerbi wants."

Why would Tonali chose Spurs over staying at Newcastle?

Sky Sports News' Michael Bridge:

"Firstly London would probably be a factor. Maybe he feels like he's had a good few years at Newcastle and would like the change.

"I don't think Newcastle fans would mind me saying it was hard for him to leave Italy when he did join the club. That doesn't mean he's not given 110 per cent since and Newcastle fans would say 'we've stuck by him through certain situations he's had'.

"But with Tottenham, you can't get away from the fact that players still come to this club and when Spurs were in relegation problems, you couldn't get away from it… you can see the reaction from the club that they mean business and they don't want to be anywhere near there again."

'An interesting summer ahead for Newcastle'

Sky Sports News' Mark McAdam:

"It will be a really interesting summer in the North East. I liken it to when Eddie [Howe] first went to the football club in November 2021.

"That January in 2022 was a transformational window. It was an opportunity to recruit, to sign; it was the start of a new era and they had to rebuild Newcastle United.

Your Premier League club's summer transfer plans

"It feels like this is another window that's going to see a complete refresh in the squad and a different transfer philosophy. They'll be looking for younger players.

"You saw last summer they're signing players at £50m, £60m, £70m, they were linked with [Bryan] Mbeumo and [Benjamin] Sesko - these are big players who command big wages and the transfer fees are huge as well.

"It's not going to be like that at Newcastle. They're going to have to shop in a different circle, they don't have European football to worry about and the types of players they're going to be looking at are going to be younger, cheaper but players that they can mould and develop into Newcastle superstars and that's going to be the remit.

"Newcastle fans have to adjust their expectations ever so slightly this season. The first person who has high expectations is Eddie Howe. He will say 'I want to be in the top half of the table at minimum, I want to be challenging for European football, I want to have Champions League campaigns, I want to get to the latter stages of cup competitions, but I understand that we're at the start of a new journey so therefore we have to be a little bit careful'."

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Tottenham want to sign Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer.

The Italy international is a top target for Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi as he looks to rebuild his squad after helping the club avoid relegation from the Premier League.

One of Spurs' top priorities this summer is improving the technical ability of the squad and bringing in a midfielder who can dictate play.

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Tonali has been identified by De Zerbi as an ideal candidate for that role.

The Italian will have a big say on transfers this summer and a move for Tonali would underline Spurs' commitment to backing De Zerbi and their promise to spend significantly on improving the squad.

Newcastle would only consider selling Tonali, who has a contract until 2029, for a huge fee. They do not want to lose him.

Tonali's current deal, signed in 2024 when he was serving a 10-month gambling ban, does not include a release clause, which puts Newcastle in a strong negotiating position.

Sky Sports News reported in April that there was a general understanding that Tonali - along with Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento - may like a new challenge this summer. Gordon has already signed for Barcelona in a £69m transfer.

Tonali is one of the Premier League's best midfielders and has been high on the lists of Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United.

As it stands, City and United have prioritised other midfield targets. City are in talks with Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson, while United have agreed a deal for Ederson with Atalanta and are now pursuing West Ham's Mateus Fernandes.

In a summer when midfielders are already coming at a premium, City's move for Anderson, which is expected to cost north of £100m, is likely to have a knock-on effect for other deals.

Spurs' summer transfer plans

Tottenham have got to work early on rebuilding their squad by signing centre-back Marcos Senesi and left-back Andy Robertson on free transfers. Spurs still want to add another defender and are pursuing Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke.

Brighton have made a £30m bid for Spurs' teenage centre-back Luka Vuskovic. The 19-year-old, who established himself as one of Europe's top young defenders on loan at Hamburg, is keen to move to Brighton, but Spurs are unlikely to accept the current deal on the table.

As mentioned, Spurs are looking to create a squad capable of playing in the style of De Zerbi and finding a central midfielder who can dictate play is a key part of the plan.

Spurs have been searching for a winger to replace Heung-Min Son for a year but have so far been unsuccessful, failing with moves for Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo. Man City's Savinho is one of the players on their list this summer.

De Zerbi also wants to bring in another striker, perhaps with the ability to play across the whole front line, to give him a variety of options in case Spurs' injury crisis does not let up next season.

Spurs may also need to sign another goalkeeper if Guglielmo Vicario returns to Italy. Juventus have him on their list as they evaluate a potential transfer, while Inter were previously interested. Antonin Kinsky kept the No 1 spot for the run-in under De Zerbi.

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Brighton have made a £30m bid for Tottenham's teenage centre-back Luka Vuskovic.

The 19-year-old, who is at the World Cup with Croatia, established himself as one of the world's best young defenders while on loan with Hamburg last season.

Vuskovic's performances in Germany earned him a place in the Bundesliga team of the season, with the player scoring six league goals, more than any other central defender in Germany's top flight.

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Spurs first agreed a deal to sign Vuskovic from Croatian side Hajduk Split in the summer of 2023 in a move that saw him join the Premier League club last summer, before heading out on loan to Hamburg.

Roberto De Zerbi's side are pursuing Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who worked under the Tottenham boss when he was in charge of the Seagulls.

The north London club have already confirmed the signing of Marcos Senesi on a free, which will be sealed once his contract with Bournemouth expires on July 1.

If successful in signing Van Hecke, as well as Senesi, Spurs would have at least four centre-backs who would be considered first-choice options in a season when they do not have European football.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have been the starters at Spurs when fit, while Kevin Danso stepped up in captain Romero's absence at the end of the season after an injury kept him out for the run-in.

De Zerbi will have the final say on all of Spurs' transfers this summer.

Brighton reject second Spurs bid for Van Hecke

Brighton last week rejected a second bid from Tottenham for centre-back Van Hecke, according to Seagulls chief executive Paul Barber.

The Netherlands international defender has one year left on his contract at Brighton after moving from NAC Breda for an initial fee of £1.8m in 2020.

"Yes, we have rejected a bid from Tottenham over the last week or so. In fact, two bids," Barber told talkSPORT at the weekend.

"There is always going to be a lot of interest in our best players and certainly in the case of Jan Paul.

"We have been very clear, that interest has been ongoing for a while. It is coming from multiple sources.

"We have to be in a position to make the best trades to suit our model and also to make sure that we're supporting Fabian [Hurzeler], because he's got another big season ahead of him."

Analysis: De Zerbi's transfer plan clear at Spurs

Sky Sports' Sam Blitz:

You don't need to be a rocket scientist to work out what Tottenham are trying to do in this transfer window: De Zerbi is looking for centre-backs who are better on the ball.

In making a bid for Van Hecke - while also agreeing a free transfer for Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi - Spurs are looking for excellent ball progressors in the first phase of play.

In Senesi and Van Hecke, De Zerbi has targeted two of the Premier League's best in this specific area. These were the top two players in the league last season for bypassing defenders by passing the ball.

Quite simply, they are able to soak up pressure at the back and take opposition players out the game by putting the ball through the lines.

Under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, Senesi was used to a very direct, vertical style of play where he would punch the ball through the thirds quickly.

Van Hecke, meanwhile, is accustomed to De Zerbi's intense style of play having played 50 matches under the Italian during their time together at Brighton.

That work has been built on by Fabian Hurzeler, who told Sky Sports in 2024: "It helps that the coach I had here before was De Zerbi because he integrated this style of play," when asked about his defenders playing out from the back in dangerous areas.

Spurs getting two ball-playing defenders is a sign that this is something they feel they lack. The numbers back that up. Senesi and Van Hecke are a level above Romero and Van de Ven in terms of passing ability.

If Spurs end up getting both players, what will it mean for Spurs' current centre-halves?

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Marcos Senesi has signed for Tottenham on a free transfer from Bournemouth.

The Argentina defender will officially join the club on July 1 when his contract at Bournemouth expires.

The centre-back played 128 times for Bournemouth in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing 10 assists over four seasons.

LaLiga and Serie A sides tabled offers for Senesi but he wanted to stay in the Premier League and was keen on a move to London.

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Senesi said on making the switch to north London: "It's a very special feeling to be a Tottenham Hotspur player.

"From the first moment, the club has shown why they want me and how much they want me to be a part of what they are building. It's exciting and something I can't wait to be involved in.

"Every time I step on the pitch, I will do my best to make the fans proud and to take the Club back to the place it belongs. I want to win things with Tottenham and will do everything I can to make that happen."

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi said: "Marcos' experience, quality on the ball, and competitive edge will strengthen us defensively, as well as giving us flexibility in formation.

"He's comfortable playing in a possession-based team, reads the game very well and has the personality to thrive in a demanding environment.

"I also love his mentality and desire to keep improving and I'm looking forward to working with him and seeing the big contribution he can make to the team."

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