Tottenham have joined the race for Fulham and Wales star Harry Wilson, who is set to be out of contract at Craven Cottage this summer and is being chased by a number of Premier League sides.
Roberto De Zerbi responds to Greenwood controversy
New Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has apologised for his past comments on Mason Greenwood and insisted he would never intentionally downplay the issue of violence against women.
Spurs turned to De Zerbi after sacking Igor Tudor, with the Premier League outfit in 17th position and only one point above the bottom three after a disastrous campaign.
However, De Zerbi faced opposition from some fan groups in the days before his appointment due to his remarks as Marseille boss about Greenwood, who faced charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault causing actual bodily harm in 2022 before they were dropped.
“I have never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women or violence against anyone more broadly,” De Zerbi said in his first interview with Tottenham’s in-house media, answering the question in Italian.
“In my life, I have always stood up for those who are more vulnerable, more fragile, I’ve consistently fought and taken a stand to be on the side of those who are most at risk.
“Those of you who know me well will know that I am not the kind of person who makes compromises to win more games or to win an extra title.”
De Zerbi’s immediate focus is Tottenham’s current precarious position in the Premier League and he promised to be in charge next season “no matter what” – even if they are in the Championship.
The Italian said: “It is a difficult moment for everyone at Tottenham, but I think we have the right qualities to come out of this moment.”
Tottenham planning for another Premier League campaign
According to Teamtalk, Spurs are already making transfer plans on the assumption De Zerbi will keep them afloat in the Premier League.
They have identified Fulham star Wilson as a 'key target', joining a race that already includes Everton, Aston Villa, Leeds and Sunderland.
Villa are belived to be leading the charge at the moment, while Liverpool and Manchester United are also keeping one eye on the situation.
Wilson has been a superstar for both club and country this season, having claimed he wants to repeat Gareth Bale's heroics at international level, and now has the chance to follow in the former Spurs man's footsteps at club level as well.
Harry Wilson's style of play
The 29 year-old has scored ten times and provided six assists in the top flight this term, already his best return in terms of direct goal contributions in a Premier League season, with seven games still to play.
Fulham would prefer to retain him, but with time ticking down towards the expiry of his contract in June, the sharks are circling.
Wilson is best known for his wand of a left foot, whether that be crossing from the half spaces, goals from outside the box or taking set pieces.
Harry Wilson's strengths (via WhoScored)
Finishing
Long shots
Taking set pieces
Crossing
Holding on to the ball
Key passes
He loves to cut inside from the right, and is also a counter-attack threat due to his slick dribbling and eye for incisive passes.