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Newcastle United will be on alert after the future of one of their key transfer targets was addressed by his manager after a pre-season friendly.

The Magpies have persistently been credited with an interest in Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall, who is currently in Australia with Spurs and played in their warm-up against A-League side Sydney FC.

Spurs have signed midfielders Matheus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali for a combined fee in the region of £185 million, leaving the 20-year-old’s place in the team under threat.

‘I don’t want to convince anyone to stay’

The Sweden midfielder is understood to have informed Spurs that he wants to leave, with Newcastle a potential destination thanks to the departure of Tonali and ongoing speculation about the future of captain Bruno Guimaraes.

Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi was candid in his comments about Bergvall’s destiny after the game in Sydney, as reported by Nazaar Kinsella for BBC Sport. The Italian has already been won over by the player but isn’t hiding the fact that their requirements might not align this summer.

“I would like that he stays with us,” said the Spurs boss. “"I think he's potentially a top, top, top player. But then I don't want to convince anyone to stay. Tottenham is already, without me, a top club and we are not to convince anyone to stay.

“He can find the space if he stays with us. The competition within the players will be very strong because we are Tottenham and we have to build a strong squad - not just 11 players - especially considering a lot of injuries we suffered in the last two, three seasons.

“He wants space. He wants to play as a double pivot as a position. I can't give, for any player in the world, the place in the first XI guaranteed. I want to be honest with the players. I want to be clear. I don't want to make the first mistake. In terms of position, I can't give guarantee.”

Spurs moved quickly to equip De Zerbi with new signings capable of underpinning improvement on the pitch after consecutive 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League and two seasons rather closer to relegation than expected, albeit with a Europa League win and a respectable Champions League campaign in the mix too.

Tonali and Fernandes have been signed along with big-money defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion and the free transfer acquisitions of Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth, Andy Robertson from Liverpool and Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

Added depth and an improved starting midfield don’t say much for Bergvall’s long-term prospects at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium irrespective of De Zerbi’s positive words.

If Bergvall were to move to St James’ Park, he could be back at Spurs before the end of next month.

Their first home game of the season will be against the Magpies on Saturday, August 29.

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a move that could have serious ramifications for Arsenal.

North London's bitter foes are no strangers when it comes to fighting it out for transfer targets, having competed for several players in the past – most notably, this summer, Sandro Tonali, who chose Tottenham after starting the window as Arsenal's first-choice target in midfield.

With plenty of business left to be done this summer, it would seem that there may yet be overlap in who the two clubs look to recruit, starting with a Spurs move on the horizon.

Tottenham Hotspur in for long-time Arsenal defensive target

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Tottenham are weighing up a move for Jules Kounde of Barcelona for around €65 million.

With captain Cristian Romero having agreed an exit from N17, Spurs have already signed Jan Paul van Hecke to replace him, but further reinforcements could well be made before the end of the window, with the report claiming the Lilywhites are “keen on Kounde for his versatility” in being able to play on the right or in the centre of defence.

Signing the Frenchman would be a huge coup, given that he has been a long-term target down the Seven Sisters Road.

Arsenal are understood to be on the hunt for defensive cover themselves, with William Saliba's participation in the first half of the season unclear after suffering a back injury at the World Cup.

Given the injury issues suffered by Jurrien Timber and Ben White in recent months, Arsenal could do with someone to deputise at right-back, too.

While Tottenham have not made a formal offer as yet, the interest is said to be hinging on whether Barça choose to cash in on Kounde.

The Catalan giants are expected to move for a centre-forward before the transfer window closes, with any bid of €60m or above for Kounde well worth consideration.

FourFourTwo understands that Arsenal currently aren't looking to the 27-year-old as they look to keep costs down in their pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Jr, but with Spurs looking to bolster their defence, another right-back could well arrive before deadline.

Pedro Porro, however, proved himself as one of the standouts in his position over the World Cup, and it is unlikely that Roberto De Zerbi will want to replace him in his system.

Watch Sydney FC vs Tottenham Hotspur for free as Roberto de Zerbi's side look to kick their pre-season preparations up a gear. FourFourTwo brings you all the details on live streams and TV channels, wherever you are in the world.

Spurs ended last season by surviving relegation by the narrowest of margins, but a heavy-spending transfer window has sparked hopes of a push for European qualification in 2026/27.

Roberto De Zerbi's side now boasts Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke and Andrew Robertson, all of whom could feature against Sydney on Wednesday.

Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the information you need to watch Sydney FC vs Tottenham online, on TV, and from anywhere.

Can I watch Sydney FC vs Tottenham for free?

Yes, TVNZ+ in New Zealand are broadcasting the match between Sydney FC and Spurs for free.

In the US, CBS Sports Golazo Network are showing the game at no cost — you don't even need an account.

You just need an account and you'll be able to watch at no cost.

Abroad today? Use NordVPN to unlock your stream from anywhere in the world.

Watch Sydney FC vs Tottenham from anywhere

Away from home right now? You don't have to miss this pre-season friendly. The solution to your geo-restriction nightmares is a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a piece of software that can set your devices to appear to be in any country in the world.

FourFourTwo’s tech-obsessed office-mates over at Tom's Guide know everything there is to know about VPNs, and they rate NordVPN as the best VPN you can buy.

How to watch Sydney FC vs Tottenham in the UK and US

In the UK and US you will need SPURSPLAY to stream the Sydney FC vs Tottenham game.

It will cost you £45 ($60) a year for a SPURSPLAY subscription with all pre-season games included.

CBS Sports Golazo Network will also be broadcasting the game for free in the US.

Visiting the UK or US from New Zealand? Use NordVPN to access TVNZ+.

How to watch Sydney FC vs Tottenham in Australia

Paramount+ will be showing Sydney FC vs Tottenham in Australia. Plans start at AU$7.99 per month or AU$70.99 per year.

SEE ALSO Should I use a VPN to watch football?

FourFourTwo's prediction

Sydney FC 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur

It's pre-season, who has a clue what will happen!

Tottenham Hotspur selling Cristian Romero is the least surprising piece of transfer news anyone will see all summer.

The writing was on the wall when the Spurs captain originally planned to fly home to Argentina during Tottenham's crunch clash to secure survival on the final day of last season, and bridges haven't been mended since.

SportItalia’s Gianluigi Longari has confirmed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the Argentine is still on Inter Milan's radar, with an agreement reached between the two clubs – for a surprising fee.

Tottenham have agreed £35m fee to sell Cristian Romero

In 2021, Tottenham agreed a £42.5m fee for Atalanta defender Romero, the second-most that the Lilywhites had ever paid for a player behind the £53m spent on Tanguy Ndombele.

Five years later, Romero is a World Cup winner and runner-up, still just 28 years old, the club captain in N17 and with three years left on his contract – yet leaving for €40m, around £35m.

Tottenham have certainly made losses on players before: Ndombele infamously had his contract terminated, Emerson Royal left for half what Spurs paid for him, former record buy Davinson Sanchez left for under £10m, and losses were made on both Emerson Royal and Giovani Lo Celso. But none of them were real successes at Spurs: Dele Alli, Jan Vertonghen, Dele Alli and Hugo Lloris, meanwhile, were all huge hits, but each of them left North London well beyond their peak.

While Romero has had a rough season or two, he's not in either of these camps. Fans would have placed the Argentine, surely, as a sale in the vein of Harry Kane, Kyle Walker, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, or even Brennan Johnson – as a player who gave good service to the club, with plenty more to give at the top level.

Even the sale of Luka Vuskovic this summer to Brighton – £46m, as per the BBC – suggested that Spurs ould recoup what they spent on Romero, even with inflation, as they did with Toby Alderweireld and Christian Eriksen, and almost did with Steven Bergwijn.

Spurs would have liked to define themselves as a club able to hold out for the highest offer under Daniel Levy – making this £7.5m loss on their captain odd to see. Realistically though, the Lilywhites earned a very different reputation under the former chairman, though.

Yes, Spurs held onto several players far too long: the likes of Danny Rose, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen were all replaceable assets who commanded £50m+ at their respective peaks, back in an era where such a fee was seismic.

Manchester City and Liverpool have regularly sold regular starters – think Ferran Torres, Julian Alvarez, Gabriel Jesus, Sadio Mane, Georginio Wijnaldum and Philippe Coutinho – refreshing their squad with the proceeds.

Sure, Spurs may be looking to do something similar with Romero, who clearly isn't a part of the future and may well have checked out.

Accepting a loss on a major first-teamer, with elite clubs wanting to sign him, marks a significant change in approach, though – and a strange thing to see from a club with such a distinct transfer policy over the last decade.

Tottenham Hotspur may be handed a favour by Arsenal in the transfer market, as they shop for an attacker to complete their frontline.

The North London rivals had contrasting campaigns last season, with Tottenham scraping relegation with survival secured on the final day, while Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy.

But with the Gunners and the Lilywhites looking to strengthen this summer, one Hale End attacker could prove to be the key man in Spurs landing a top forward.

Tottenham Hotspur looking at star forward – with long-time Arsenal man on the move

Arsenal are biding their time in the transfer market this summer, with FourFourTwo understanding that the Premier League champions are refusing to budge on their internal valuations of targets, as sporting director Andrea Berta looks to strengthen across the side.

Spurs, meanwhile, have already completed several signings in goal, in defence and midfield, with Norwegian hero Andreas Schjelderup – who scored against England in the World Cup quarter-finals – eyed to fill Roberto De Zerbi's left-wing role.

The £43 million Benfica man moving to the Premier League would have a knock-on effect, according to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã, with new boss Marco Silva trying to convince Schjelderup to stay in Lisbon.

The report states, however, that should the star depart the Primeira Liga, Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson is high on Silva's wishlist, with the former Fulham gaffer having worked with the 26-year-old at Craven Cottage, during a loan spell in 2024/25.

Nelson started Mikel Arteta's first game in charge of Arsenal in 2019, and has sporadically appeared across the Basque's tenure, most notably netting a 97th-minute winner against Bournemouth in 2023 when the North Londoners were on course for the title – though injuries have limited his development, with the former England youth player going on loan not just to Fulham, but Brentford and Feyenoord since Arteta took the reins.

The winger is the last player still under contract at Arsenal to have appeared under Arsene Wenger – making his first-team Premier League debut in 2018 – and has since played under the likes of Arne Slot and Julian Nagelsmann while out on loan.

Schjelderup's future appears to be far from straightforward, however, with Benfica president Rui Costa claiming this week that it has “not been communicated to us” that the Norway international will leave Estadio Da Luz.

“[Schjelderup] is on holiday and will soon return to Benfica. As of today, Benfica have not received any proposal,” O Jogo quotes the legendary no.10 as having said.

FourFourTwo understands that Spurs are still also targeting Savinho from Manchester City, with the Brazilian capable of playing on either flank.

Argentina booked their place in the World Cup Final on Wednesday evening with a comeback victory over England.

The Three Lions had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon during the second half but could not withstand a late Argentine barrage, conceding twice late on.

England were eliminated at the World Cup’s semi-final stage for the second time in the past three tournaments, having taken the lead on both occasions - the only country ever to do so.

Argentina unfurl Falklands banner after beating England

Goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez wrestled the game back in Argentina’s favour and left England with little time to find an equaliser.

Upon the final whistle, after nine added minutes, Argentina’s players celebrated jubilantly on the pitch in front of what was a majority of Argentine crowd.

Amidst the celebrations, unused substitute and Real Betis midfielder Lo Celso was pictured holding a banner which read ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, directly referencing the 1982 Falklands War.

Translated to English, the banner reads: “The Falklands are Argentinian”.

Argentina lost the conflict having invaded the British Overseas Territory, but to this day, popular feeling in the South American country is that the crop of islands in the South Atlantic belong to Argentina.

Lionel Messi and co will meet Spain in the World Cup Final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

It is as yet unclear as to whether the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and Lo Celso will be sanctioned for unfurling the political display.

FIFA’s protocols state the following: “Items of a political, offensive, sexual, discriminatory or commercial nature are strictly prohibited and may result in expulsion from the stadium.”

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed to a £100 million deal with Newcastle United to secure the services of midfield superstar Sandro Tonali.

The London side endured an abysmal 2025/26 Premier League season, becoming embroiled in a relegation battle with rival club West Ham.

After surviving the drop, Spurs pilfered Mateus Fernandes from their relegated London rivals; now, Newcastle United will part ways with Tonali in a club record deal.

Tottenham Hotspur splash £100 million and break club record in Sandro Tonali deal

According to reports from transfer experts Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein, the deal for Tonali could reach £100 million.

This would exceed the £85 million it took to purchase Fernandes from West Ham, and set a club transfer record for Tottenham Hotspur.

The deal is comprised of a £92.5 million upfront fee, with potentially £7.5 million in add-ons.

Spurs' pursuit of Tonali intensified in June, before contact was made with Newcastle to negotiate the midfielder's exit.

Tonali will join a growing list of players pilfered by Tottenham Hotspur this summer from fellow Premier League sides.

Liverpool lost veteran left-back Andy Robertson to the London club on a free transfer, after he departed from Anfield at the end of last season.

Spurs also took Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth, again on a free transfer, and Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, for a fee of over £50 million.

The add-ons are believed to be Champions League-related, in the event of Tottenham Hotspur qualifying for the competition next season.

Tonali played 53 times for Newcastle last season, in an underwhelming campaign that saw the Magpies finish 12th. The lure of London, a vast pay increase and the opportunity to work under fellow Italian Roberto De Zerbi has proved too strong.

Liverpool are on the verge of having two stars complete moves to the North London club this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, are making moves to ensure such a scenario does not play out again.

Conversely, or not so much so, the 2024/25 Premier League victors are looking to get back to winning ways under new boss Andoni Iraola, after Arne Slot delivered a torrid sophomore campaign at Anfield.

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Liverpool on verge of having TWO stars pilfered by Tottenham Hotspur ahead of Andoni Iraola's first campaign

Liverpool's Andy Robertson departed from Anfield at the end of the 2025/26 season, ending a nine-year spell with the Reds.

The Scot, currently playing at the 2026 World Cup, could be joined in London by a fellow Red, also lighting it up on the world stage.

Cody Gakpo, currently enjoying a solid 2026 World Cup campaign with three goal involvements for the Netherlands, could join his former team-mate at Tottenham Hotspur next season.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the North London club are in discussions with Liverpool regarding the Dutchman's future.

This arrives after the Reds signed Spain's Victor Munoz, a young but exciting La Liga talent who could rival Gakpo on the left flank.

It also arrives after Spurs' long-time pursuit of Manchester City player Savinho, with the North London club now, reportedly, weighing up the benefits of a move for Gakpo instead.

The Dutchman, who endured a poor season individually under fellow countryman Slot in 2025/26, is concerned about his starter status, or lack thereof, at Liverpool under his new Basque boss.

The signing of Munoz was personally pushed for by Iraola, making it unclear as to whether Gakpo's future lies in being a starting or rotational player.

Mohamed Salah's departure also raises alarm bells, with Gakpo's best years coming under the Egyptian's guidance, and his form dropping significantly without his wing partner performing to the usual level last season.

Despite this, Liverpool's 'out-of-form' stars could be amongst the most intriguing transfers of the 2026 summer window.

Almost every player who performed poorly under Slot last season has seen a significant upturn in form at international level, with Gakpo being no exception.

For now, the Dutchman's future remains undecided, but Spurs are probing and could see two experienced Liverpool players in their team next year.

Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali in a £100m deal, according to reports.

The Italian, 26, has become one of the stars of Eddie Howe’s team and played 60 games for club and country in 2025/26.

Newcastle paid £55m for Tonali when they signed him from AC Milan in 2023, but reports suggest they could recoup almost double that fee if he leaves this summer.

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Roberto De Zerbi pushing hard to seal Sandro Tonali deal

Spurs were at risk of relegation from the Premier League following a disastrous season, but Roberto De Zerbi arrived in March and kept them up.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion head coach took 11 points from the last seven games of the campaign as the North London club sealed survival on the final day - and he is already planning big changes this summer.

According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, De Zerbi is driving Spurs’ efforts to sign fellow Italian Tonali, with the club set to bid an initial £85m rising to £100m with add-ons.

Jacobs adds that Tottenham are a ‘serious contender’ for Tonali despite being unable to offer European football next season, with the midfielder apparently open to a move.

He also reports that Spurs’ board have money to spend and are keen to make a statement signing, as they look to compete towards the top of the Premier League after successive 17th-place finishes.

Jacobs also reports that Arsenal and Manchester City are in the race for the Italy international, but Manchester United’s interest has cooled owing to the cost of the deal.

Transfer expert David Ornstein adds that Spurs have held positive talks with Tonali’s camp, although they are yet to make contact with Newcastle.

If the Italian departs, he would be the Magpies’ second big-money exit already this summer following Anthony Gordon’s £69m move to Barcelona.

Spurs, meanwhile, are clearly backing De Zerbi, with Brighton centre back Jan Paul van Hecke reportedly set to reunite with his former Seagulls boss in a £52m deal.

Tottenham Hotspur are close to finalising the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

Van Hecke featured in the Netherlands’ first game of World Cup 2026, a dramatic 2-2 draw with Japan at AT&T Stadium, amid growing speculation about his future. After six seasons on the books at Brighton, the 26-year-old is reportedly on the cusp of joining Spurs.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the clubs have now agreed a fee of £52 million after Van Hecke ‘had shown no interest in extending his terms’ at the Amex Stadium.

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Jan Paul van Hecke bound for Spurs with fee agreed

An initial offer from the North London club was rebuffed but Van Hecke, whose contract expires next summer, will move to Spurs to reunite with former Seagulls manager Roberto De Zerbi.

The Italian steered Spurs to safety at the end of a dismal Premier League season and the club is now linked with a host of big-money statement signings as they seek to get back on track and back into Europe.

“Personal terms are not expected to be an issue for the centre-back, who is close to Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi having worked together at the south-coast club between 2022 and 2024,” reports Ornstein.

“A move would continue a busy start to the transfer window for Spurs, who have already signed centre-back Marcos Senesi and left-back Andy Robertson, following the expiration of their contracts at Bournemouth and Liverpool respectively.”

Van Hecke will be in action again when the Netherlands take on Sweden in their second match at NRG Stadium on Saturday.

Brighton are already working on a replacement for Van Hecke, with another World Cup defender understood to be very much in the frame.

The teenager is reportedly a top target for Brighton but Ornstein has confirmed that a second offer worth £35 million has been rejected and the clubs coming to terms on Van Hecke is not linked to Vuskovic’s future.

It was reported on Tuesday that Spurs also want to sign Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, though the Magpies’ £100 million price tag could be prohibitive.

In FourFourTwo’s opinion, acquiring Tonali this summer will be a stretch for Spurs, with that rumour believed to be driven by the player's agent, but the capture of Van Hecke is a forceful statement of intent in its own right.

Brighton will take the loss in stride. Former managers raiding their old club is nothing new for the Sussex club, who have seen a host of players and staff walk a well-trodden path to Chelsea in the last few years.

Selling well and identifying younger replacements is a huge part of the challenge for top Premier League clubs now. Brighton are demonstrably better at both than most.