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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall has asked to leave the club, but manager Roberto De Zerbi has revealed he wants him to stay.

Spurs drew 1-1 with Sydney FC, as they continued their pre-season preparations. Despite his future remaining uncertain, Bergvall started and impressed in the match.

The 20-year-old has already been linked with a number of Premier League rivals this month. It is believed that he would command a fee in the region of £60 million.

“I’m always being very clear with him and with you,” De Zerbi explained on Bergvall’s situation. “I would like that he stays with us.

“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.”

Tottenham have already spent big on two central midfielders this summer, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. Bergvall may now feel that he has fallen down the pecking order in De Zerbi’s side.

The Spurs boss continued: “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 the amount of injuries we suffered in the last two, three seasons.

“Football is going in a clear direction, to compete for the highest places in the table, you have to manage 22, 23, 24 players. I don’t want 24, but 21 or 22, of a high level.”

Although he did have some injury issues, Bergvall made just 33 appearances for Spurs in all competitions last season, half of which were off the bench. It represents a backwards step for the Sweden international who played 45 times in the campaign before.

De Zerbi admitted: “He wants space. He wants to play as a double pivot as his 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. In terms of position, I can’t give a guarantee.

“It’s right when he wants to play as a central midfielder. But to play as a central midfielder, sometimes it is to attack, sometimes to keep the holder, to move the ball faster. He has to improve.”

Tottenham Hotspur say they are “disappointed” by a high court decision to block plans for their new women’s and girls’ training centre.

The judge ruled that councillors were “misled” and said Enfield Council’s decision to approve the plans “could well have been different” had all the relevant information been available.

“We are disappointed by today’s High Court judgment concerning the planning permission for our proposed Women’s and Girls’ Training Centre at Whitewebbs.

“The court’s decision concerns the legal process followed by Enfield Council in granting planning permission, rather than the planning merits of the proposed development itself.

“We continue to believe the proposals would deliver significant benefits for Enfield by safeguarding Whitewebbs as a green space, improving access to nature, restoring important heritage assets, creating new facilities for local residents, community groups and sports clubs whilst delivering a lasting legacy for women’s and girls’ sport.

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“The development would create a world-leading women’s and girls’ training centre, helping to establish Enfield as a leading destination for the women’s and girls’ game. Alongside elite facilities, it would create new opportunities for girls across the borough to play and develop through expanded coaching, education and community programmes, while providing a visible pathway from grassroots football to the very highest levels of the game.

“We remain committed to Enfield and to continuing the work we have undertaken in the borough for many years through investment in sport, education and community programmes. We will now consider the judgement carefully and determine our next steps.”

Roberto De Zerbi says James Maddison and Destiny Udogie did not feature in the pre-season win over Auckland as a precaution.

Maddison returned at the end of last season after being out for around a year with a knee injury.

Udogie, meanwhile, has struggled with persistent injury issues at Spurs.

“He’s not working the last five days, I think, like Udogie, but they have not a big problem, just to stay focused, don’t take any risks,” De Zerbi explained.

“For the next game, the next friendly game against Sydney maybe we play with Tonali, with other players, maybe, we’ve got to see.”

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Goals from Dane Scarlett and Richarlison gave Spurs a 2-0 win in New Zealand.

Mikey Moore, who spent last season on loan at Rangers, started the game and played just over an hour, and De Zerbi was also asked about his future after the game.

“We have to see,” he said. “We have to analyse the last part of the transfer market, because we try to bring wingers, and then we speak with him, with his agent, with the club, to find the best solution for everyone.”

Roberto De Zerbi says he is due to speak to midfielder Lucas Bergvall about his future at Tottenham.

The Sweden international has been the subject of interest from Nottingham Forest and Newcastle this summer, and is believed to be keen on a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“Listen, I was very clear at the start of my time in Tottenham,” the Spurs boss explained. “I said ‘Who doesn’t want to stay in Tottenham, who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave’.

“I want proud players who are happy to stay here and to go on the pitch at Tottenham Stadium with a big motivation. If you think also in the World Cup, the motivation makes the difference. The motivation is to be happy to stay in one team.

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“I have not spoken with Lucas yet, I will in the next days. And we will make the best decision for the club, for Lucas, for me, for every one of us.

“Without problems, Lucas is a big, big talent. There will be a big competition to play because at the end I think we will be two players for each position. If he wants to stay, I will be happy.

“Otherwise, we have to find a new solution with Johan Lange, with Vinai (Venkatesham).”

Roberto De Zerbi says Spurs are targeting attacking signings in the transfer window.

Tottenham have strengthened in defence and midfield so far this summer, but the Spurs boss says he wants to boost his forward line too.

Manchester City winger Savinho is believed to be among the club’s list of targets, as is Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi.

“The target now is to complete the attacking positions,” De Zerbi said. “We want the first target, the first level, because we have already important players. But I think to start a new project we need another couple of important players for sure.”

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De Zerbi also stressed the importance of bringing in more experience as he looks to reshape his squad.

“First of all I think it’s not finished yet, our transfer market window,” he said.

“We have to finish, we have to bring another couple, maybe more, maybe not less, but a couple of players. I’m very happy, I’m excited to work with the new players, with the old players.

“I think we are working very well with Johan and Vinai. We are working with a clear idea. We brought players with a great experience like Robbo (Andy Robertson).

“I think we need this type of players because we need to increase experience, we have to improve in mentality. We have to be stronger because in the last two seasons we didn’t do what Tottenham has to do.

“At the end of the transfer market we will make the point to close the transfer market session. But at the moment I’m very excited.”

Spurs have announced the squad for their pre-season trip to Australia.

Tottenham will face Auckland, Sydney and Chelsea on their pre-season tour, but several players will not play a part, however.

Mohamed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Guglielmo Vicario, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Pedro Porro, Marcos Senesi, Cristian Romero and Djed Spence will all not make the trip.

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“Mohamed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odobert will remain at Hotspur Way to continue their rehabilitation, while Guglielmo Vicario has sustained a minor knock in training and will undergo treatment at our Training Centre,” Spurs said in a statement.

“Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr have been granted extended leave following their appearances at the World Cup, while Pedro Porro, Marcos Senesi, Cristian Romero and Djed Spence will also not travel having reached the latter stages of this summer’s tournament.”

Middlesbrough have confirmed the signing of striker Will Lankshear from Tottenham.

The 21-year-old joins the Championship side for a fee of up to £20m including add-ons, Hayters understands, with £12m of it guaranteed.

Hayters reported last month that Spurs would consider offers of around the £20m mark for Lankshear.

He has signed a five-year contract with the club.

“Middlesbrough is such a massive club over the years; I deem it to be a Premier League club,” Lankshear said.

“The project here really excites me. I can’t wait to get started and be part of the journey, and get this club back where it belongs.

“I feel like now is the best time in my career. I’m ready to hit the ground running and help this club.”

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Lankshear’s departure is expected to be followed by more exits as boss Roberto De Zerbi looks to continue his summer rebuild.

Lucas Bergvall is attracting interest from Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, but Spurs have so far rejected offers for the midfielder.

Djed Spence could also be sold if there is a big enough offer, with Inter Milan keen.

Spurs are also willing to listen to offers for Cristian Romero, Guglielmo Vicario and Richarlison.

Middlesbrough are closing in on the signing of Will Lankshear from Tottenham, Hayters understands.

Boro have agreed a fee worth up to £20m, with £12m guaranteed, for the 21-year-old with personal terms being finalised ahead of the forward’s medical.

Hayters reported last month that Spurs would consider offers of around the £20m mark for Lankshear.

West Ham, Wolves, Southampton and Sporting have also expressed an interest in Lankshear this summer, but Middlesbrough are poised to win the race for the striker.

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Boro tried to sign Lankshear in January while he was on loan at Oxford United, but the decision was ultimately made for him to stay where he was and revisit discussions over his future in the summer.

The Championship club are in line for a financial boost through their sell on clause for former player Morgan Rogers, who is set to join Chelsea in a £117m deal.

Tottenham have confirmed the appointment of Andrew Crofts as Roberto De Zerbi’s new assistant head coach.

The former Brighton midfielder leaves his role as assistant coach at the Seagulls to join Spurs, reuniting with De Zerbi.

“I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion,” Crofts said. “This club will always hold a special place in my heart and the hearts of my family.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Tony Bloom and Paul Barber for the trust, faith and support they’ve shown in me throughout my time here.

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“I want to give a special mention to Fabian, it’s been a privilege to work alongside him. My thanks also goes to all the players and staff I’ve shared this journey with, including the unforgettable achievements of the European qualifications we made possible together.

“Finally, thank you to the fans for their passion and support. Brighton will forever mean a great deal to me.”

Tottenham Women have announced the signing of Alice Sombath from Lyon.

The 22-year-old joins in a permanent deal from the French side, where she has spent the last five seasons.

“I want to do my best here at Tottenham Hotspur,” Sombath said.

“I think the league is very competitive, every game is a tough game, and that’s what I’m most excited about. I saw that Spurs had a very good season last year – my qualities can bring something to the team, even though I know they already have a lot.”

Spurs boss Martin Ho said: “We’re delighted to welcome Alice to Tottenham Hotspur. She’s a player we’ve followed closely for some time and one who fits the profile of what we’re building here. She has already shown real maturity in her performances, and we believe she has all the qualities to continue developing into a top player within our environment.

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“Alice is an aggressive defender who is comfortable in possession, competitive in her duels, and has the ambition to keep improving every day. Those characteristics are really important to us, and we’re excited to help her take the next step in her career while strengthening the squad.

“This is another important addition as we continue building for the future. We’re bringing in players who are hungry to develop, committed to our way of working and capable of helping us move the Club forward. We can’t wait to get started with Alice and welcome her into the group.”