Last Word On Sports

Tottenham Hotspur Defenders Attract Interest From Europe

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Italian giants Inter Milan are weighing up moves for Tottenham Hotspur defenders Cristian Romero and Djed Spence, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Both players are under consideration as the Serie A club look to strengthen their defensive options ahead of Christian Chivu’s second season in charge.

The update comes during another busy summer for Spurs, with Roberto De Zerbi already overseeing significant changes to his back line following the arrivals of Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson.

Romero has long been expected to attract interest from across Europe, while Spence’s versatility and impressive form over the last two seasons has also put him on the radar of several clubs.

Tottenham Hotspur Defenders Attracting Inter Interest

Romero’s Future Remains Uncertain

Romero appears increasingly likely to leave Tottenham this summer after four seasons in north London.

The Argentine international has made 156 appearances for Spurs since joining from Atalanta, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s standout central defenders before being named club captain ahead of the 2025/26 season.

According to Romano, Inter have discussed a potential move for the 28-year-old, although the financial package required is currently considered very high.

Barcelona also remain admirers of Romero, with several European clubs monitoring his situation ahead of the final weeks of the transfer window. Any formal movement is expected after the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup.

Despite the departures of Luka Vušković and Radu Drăgușin this summer, Tottenham are not under immediate pressure to sell following the arrivals of Van Hecke and Senesi, alongside the existing options of Micky van de Ven and Kevin Danso.

Romero still has three years remaining on the contract he signed last summer.

Spence Also on Inter’s Radar

Romano also reports that Inter remain in discussions over a move for Spence, who has emerged as the Italian club’s preferred option at right wing-back.

Inter’s interest follows the collapse of their pursuit of Union SG’s Anan Khalaili, although Spurs’ valuation is believed to be higher than the Serie A side initially anticipated. The player is understood to be open to the move.

Spence has rebuilt his Tottenham career impressively after initially struggling for opportunities following his arrival in 2022. After loan spells away from north London, he established himself under Ange Postecoglou before continuing to feature regularly during the 2025/26 campaign.

Across 85 appearances for Spurs, the England international has demonstrated his versatility by operating at both full-back positions and in more advanced wide roles when required.

The Athletic recently reported Everton’s interest in the 25-year-old, although no formal offer has materialised.

With Pedro Porro, Andy Robertson and Destiny Udogie all competing for defensive places under De Zerbi, Spence could find opportunities more limited next season, particularly with Spurs having no European football.

Tottenham Hotspur Defensive Reshuffle Continues

Tottenham have already overseen significant changes in defence this summer, bringing in Robertson, Senesi and Van Hecke while allowing both Vušković and Drăgușin to depart.

Further movement cannot be ruled out before the transfer window closes, with Romero’s future still uncertain and Spence continuing to attract interest from both England and abroad.

Whether either player ultimately leaves remains to be seen, but Inter’s interest outlines the growing demand for two defenders who have played important roles for Spurs over recent seasons.

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Djed Spence Attracts Interest from Premier League Rival

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Everton are interested in Tottenham Hotspur full-back Djed Spence as they assess options to strengthen the right side of their defence this summer, according to Jay Harris and Patrick Boyland of The Athletic.

The versatile 25-year-old is currently representing England at the FIFA World Cup and has become an important member of Tottenham’s squad across the past two seasons, but could now be attracting serious interest from Merseyside.

Spence has three years remaining on his current contract, with the club holding the option of a further year, meaning any potential move is likely to require a substantial transfer fee.

Everton Eye Move for Tottenham Hotspur Defender

Djed Spence’s Time at Tottenham Hotspur

Spence joined Tottenham from Nottingham Forest in 2022 in a deal worth around £20 million but struggled for opportunities under Antonio Conte, making just six appearances during his first season in north London.

Loan spells followed with Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa, with the Italian side coming close to signing him permanently for around £8.5 million in the summer of 2024 before a deal failed to materialise.

The defender eventually established himself as a first-team regular under Ange Postecoglou during the 2024/25 campaign and has since become one of Tottenham’s most dependable defensive options, capable of playing on either flank.

Spence has now made 85 appearances for Spurs, scoring twice, while featuring 44 times during the 2025/26 season under Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor and Roberto De Zerbi. He appeared in six of De Zerbi’s seven matches in charge, making two starts and four substitute appearances.

His versatility and consistency have also earned him recognition at international level, with the defender winning 11 England caps under Thomas Tuchel and currently representing his country at the FIFA World Cup.

Read More: Tottenham Defender Set for Departure After Deal Agreed

Everton Interest

David Moyes is keen to strengthen his defensive options after Everton finished 13th in the Premier League last season.

Jake O’Brien has been the club’s preferred right-back over the past two campaigns, ahead of Nathan Patterson, who made just eight first-team appearances during 2025/26.

James Garner has also filled the role when required, but The Athletic reports Everton are now actively exploring the market.

Spence is among the names under consideration, alongside Arsenal defender Ben White and Strasbourg full-back Guéla Doué, although the latter is reportedly expected to command a significant transfer fee.

The Tottenham defender’s ability to operate comfortably on either side of the defence would also provide cover for Everton’s left-back options, Vitaliy Mykolenko and Adam Aznou, making him an attractive target for Moyes.

Read More: Why Tottenham Signed Andy Robertson on a Free Transfer

Would Tottenham Consider a Sale?

Whether Tottenham are prepared to sanction a deal remains unclear, with Spence currently focused on England’s FIFA World Cup campaign ahead of the quarter-final against Norway.

Spurs have already strengthened defensively this summer through the arrivals of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, increasing competition across the back line.

On the left, De Zerbi can call upon Robertson, Destiny Udogie, Souza and Ben Davies, while Pedro Porro recently committed his future to the club by signing a new long-term contract on the opposite flank.

Archie Gray is also capable of filling in at right-back, while Tottenham will have fewer fixtures to navigate next season without European football, meaning opportunities for those on the periphery of the squad may be limited.

Even so, Spence remains one of the squad’s most reliable defensive options. He has missed just 12 matches through injury across the past two seasons and has repeatedly come to the aid of his team on both sides of the pitch.

For that reason, it will be interesting to see whether Tottenham are prepared to entertain any approach from Everton despite the increased competition for places.

Tottenham Transfer News: Defender Agrees Deal to Depart

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Tottenham transfer news: Defender Radu Drăgușin is set to return to Serie A after Fiorentina agreed a deal to sign the Romanian international, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The move will initially be a season-long loan with an obligation to buy, with Spurs receiving an initial package worth around £16.5 million covering the loan fee, the future purchase obligation and the defender’s wages through to June.

Although the 24-year-old still has four years remaining on his Tottenham contract, Romano reports that the club have granted his request to leave north London this summer.

Tottenham Transfer News: Fiorentina Agree Deal for Defender

Drăgușin’s Time at Spurs

The Romanian international joined Tottenham from Serie A side Genoa in January 2024 for a fee believed to be in the region of £25 million and has since made 48 appearances during his two-and-a-half-year spell in north London.

Drăgușin largely operated as deputy to first-choice pairing Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, regularly stepping into the side when injuries disrupted Tottenham’s defence.

He was also part of the squad that lifted the UEFA Europa League in 2025, making seven appearances during the competition before injury curtailed his involvement.

That setback came in January 2025 when the centre-back suffered a serious ACL injury, ruling him out until December. He returned to feature 11 times during the 2025/26 campaign, although only six of those appearances came as a starter.

Read More: Spurs Reject Newcastle’s Bid for Midfielder

A Return to Familiar Surroundings

A move back to Italy represents a return to familiar territory for Drăgușin. The defender came through Juventus’ academy before making four senior appearances for the club and enjoying loan spells with Sampdoria and Salernitana during the 2021/22 season.

He later moved to Genoa, making 62 appearances and scoring six goals across a season and a half, attracting interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs before Tottenham beat Bayern Munich to his signature in 2024.

Now, Romano reports the Romanian is set to return to Serie A with Fiorentina, where he will reunite with former Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici.

According to Alasdair Gold, the obligation to buy will become active if Drăgușin reaches a specified appearance threshold, taking the total fee to around £21.4 million, while Tottenham will also retain a 10% sell-on clause on any future profit Fiorentina make from his sale.

Read More: Portuguese Midfielder Leaves Spurs as Cult Hero

Tottenham Transfer News: Defensive Reshuffle Continues

Drăgușin’s departure comes during a significant overhaul of Tottenham’s defence under Roberto De Zerbi.

Spurs have already strengthened at the back with the arrivals of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, while the Romanian managed just two minutes of football under De Zerbi, both coming as stoppage-time substitute appearances.

With Romero, van de Ven, van Hecke, Senesi and Kevin Danso all ahead of him in the current pecking order, opportunities for the 24-year-old next season would likely be limited.

Tottenham have also agreed a deal for Luka Vušković to join Brighton & Hove Albion, according to Romano, as the club continue to alter their defensive options ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Drăgușin’s exit therefore acts as another significant piece of Tottenham’s summer rebuild, with further departures expected before the transfer window closes.

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Joao Palhinha Leaves Tottenham as Cult Hero After Loan Spell

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Joao Palhinha has left Tottenham Hotspur following the conclusion of his loan spell in 2025/26, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Portuguese international will not remain at the club next season.

Despite becoming a key figure in midfield during a turbulent campaign, Roberto De Zerbi has opted against making the move permanent as Spurs continue a major squad rebuild heading into 2026/27.

The decision comes during a busy summer at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Mateus Fernandes arriving from West Ham United and a £100 million deal agreed for Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali as the club reshape their midfield options.

Palhinha departs, however, having left a lasting impression on supporters and established himself as a cult hero in north London.

Joao Palhinha Leaves North London

Joao Palhinha’s Tottenham Loan Spell

Joao Palhinha signed on loan from German giants Bayern Munich in the summer of 2025 and went on to make 45 appearances for Spurs across four competitions, including the UEFA Champions League.

The 30-year-old defensive midfielder became a key member of the squad and featured regularly under all three Spurs managers in 2025/26: Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor and De Zerbi.

His combative style at the base of midfield quickly won over the Spurs faithful, bringing much-needed grit and physicality to the centre of the pitch, while also offering a surprising threat in attacking areas throughout the campaign.

The Portuguese midfielder scored seven goals and added three assists, finishing as Spurs’ joint second-highest goalscorer, level with Micky van de Ven and behind Richarlison.

Defining Goals in a Tottenham Shirt

Palhinha was a major contributor in front of goal during the 2025/26 season, producing a series of memorable strikes across his loan spell in north London.

His first goal for the club came in August, when he struck in a 2-0 win away to Manchester City, and he followed that with a spectacular overhead kick against Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup.

The 30-year-old then rescued Spurs in September, scoring a stoppage-time equaliser at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers to secure a vital point that would prove significant later in the campaign.

Palhinha produced another acrobatic finish in January with a stunning strike away to AFC Bournemouth, although it came in a 3-2 defeat.

However, his most decisive contributions came under De Zerbi. In late April, he slid home Richarlison’s cross away to Wolves to secure Spurs’ first Premier League win of 2026 and De Zerbi’s first victory as Tottenham manager.

His final and most important act in a Spurs shirt came on the final day of the season, when he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Everton to ensure Premier League survival and once again spare Tottenham’s blushes.

A Heartfelt Farewell

Joao Palhinha took to Instagram to confirm his departure from the club and issue a message to Spurs fans:

“Dear COYS,

I am writing this message with heartfelt gratitude for all the kindness and support you have always shown me throughout my time at this special club.

Representing Tottenham has had a profound impact on my life, not only professionally but also personally, and it is something I will carry with me forever.

I always tried to repay, in the best way I could, all the affection, respect and trust you showed me, both on and off the pitch.

As I have said before, what truly defines a great institution and a great football club is its supporters. Players, managers and directors come and go, but the fans remain. You are the ones who keep the flame of this club burning, season after season.

I could not leave without expressing my special thanks to my teammates, the club’s directors, the fitness coaches, the entire medical staff and especially my dear Alessandra Massimi.

London gave me more than a professional career, it gave me two homes that I will always carry in my heart.

With the utmost respect and gratitude, I say goodbye to all of you.

Thank you so much COYS.”

Joao Palhinha: A Cult Hero in North London

Palhinha’s departure from Spurs is unsurprising given the investment in a new-look midfield and, with no European football next season, opportunities for fringe players will be limited.

However, without his contributions, Spurs could have been facing the prospect of Championship football in 2026/27, a scenario unthinkable for a club of Tottenham’s size and history.

The midfielder will always be welcomed back to north London, having established himself as a cult hero among supporters at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

With Spurs and De Zerbi looking to move on from last season’s relegation near miss and new midfield reinforcements arriving, it appears the right decision for all parties for his spell at the club to come to an end, with Palhinha departing after making a significant impact during his time at Tottenham.

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Spurs Reject Newcastle’s Bid for Midfielder

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This afternoon saw Spurs reject Newcastle’s bid for midfielder Archie Gray, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Romano reports that Spurs quickly made their position clear following Newcastle’s enquiry, with the proposal not entertained despite interest from Eddie Howe’s side.

The approach is particularly notable given Tottenham’s ongoing pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, with Spurs already seeing an offer of their own rejected for the Italian international earlier this summer.

Gray joined Tottenham from Leeds United in the summer of 2024 and still has four years remaining on his current contract.

Tottenham Transfer News: Spurs Reject Newcastle’s Bid for Midfielder

Gray’s Spurs Career So Far

The England U21 international arrived from Leeds United in a deal worth around £30 million, with Joe Rodon moving in the opposite direction, in 2024.

Since arriving in north London, Gray has made 81 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice while establishing himself as one of the club’s most dependable players.

During his first season, the midfielder featured 46 times despite being only 18 years old, regularly filling in across the back line as Tottenham battled with a defensive injury crisis before also impressing in his preferred holding midfield role.

He followed that with another 35 appearances during 2025/26, including eight outings in the UEFA Champions League and 24 in the Premier League.

Although his opportunities have been more limited since Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival, with just 103 minutes under the Italian so far, Tottenham’s swift rejection of Newcastle’s approach strongly suggests Gray remains an important part of the club’s long-term plans.

Spurs Reject Newcastle’s Bid: Why Magpies Want Gray

Newcastle are expected to strengthen their squad following a disappointing 12th-place Premier League finish that saw them miss out on European qualification.

The Magpies are also facing uncertainty over several key players in the middle of the park. Tottenham continue to pursue Tonali, while David Ornstein has reported that Arsenal have made an approach for club captain Bruno Guimarães.

Should Newcastle lose one, or even both, of those influential midfielders, Howe would be left with Joelinton, Lewis Miley, Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock as his senior midfield options.

Joe White is the only other midfielder with first-team experience, but the 23-year-old has made just four senior appearances for Newcastle and is naturally a more attacking player.

Gray’s versatility, therefore, makes him an attractive target. Naturally a defensive midfielder, he is also capable of operating at right-back and across the defensive line, a versatility he demonstrated throughout Tottenham’s injury-hit 2024/25 campaign.

That flexibility could also help Newcastle replace Kieran Trippier, who departed the club to join Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this summer, by providing another option at right-back alongside his midfield qualities.

Spurs Reject Newcastle’s Bid: Tottenham’s Midfield Continues to Evolve

Midfield remains one of Tottenham’s busiest areas this summer as De Zerbi reshapes his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Yves Bissouma has already departed following the expiry of his contract, while João Palhinha has returned to Bayern Munich after his loan spell.

Lucas Bergvall has also been linked with a potential exit after Ornstein reported that the Sweden international had informed Tottenham of his desire to leave.

However, John Percy states the club have no intention of selling the midfielder, with De Zerbi and sporting director Johan Lange both holding talks to reassure him over his long-term future in north London.

Spurs are also closing in on midfield reinforcements, with Mateus Fernandes expected to complete a club-record £85 million move from West Ham United in the coming days, while interest in Tonali remains despite Newcastle rejecting Tottenham’s opening offer.

Given those changes, interest in Gray is understandable. However, today saw Spurs reject Newcastle’s bid without entertaining negotiations sends a clear message that the England youngster is viewed as a central figure in De Zerbi’s long-term project.

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Tottenham Defender Set to Stay Amid Liverpool and Barcelona Interest

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Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven looks set to remain in North London this summer despite reported interest from Liverpool and Barcelona, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Dutch international has established himself as one of Spurs’ most important players since arriving in 2023, with Romano reporting that the club have no intention of allowing him to leave.

Van de Ven is currently representing the Netherlands at the FIFA World Cup alongside new Tottenham signing Jan Paul van Hecke after captaining Spurs during the closing stages of the 2025/26 campaign.

Tottenham Defender Set to Stay Despite Transfer Interest

Van de Ven Remains Central to Tottenham’s Plans

The 25-year-old has made 96 appearances for Tottenham since joining from VfL Wolfsburg in the summer of 2023, quickly becoming one of the club’s most important players.

Despite injury setbacks during his first two seasons in north London, Van de Ven featured 45 times in all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign and contributed seven goals, including a memorable solo strike against FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League.

He is set to form part of a refreshed defence this season alongside fellow summer arrivals van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson as De Zerbi reshapes Tottenham’s back line.

Liverpool and Barcelona Linked With Move

Van de Ven has attracted significant interest following another impressive campaign.

Liverpool have been widely linked with the Netherlands international and Tottenham defender as they prepare for the possible departure of Ibrahima Konaté, while Barcelona have also been credited with an interest in strengthening their defence.

However, with Van de Ven still under contract for another three years and Romano reporting that Tottenham view him as untouchable this summer, any potential move appears highly unlikely.

A Key Figure in De Zerbi’s Rebuild

Van de Ven played an important role in Tottenham securing Premier League survival, captaining the side during Cristian Romero’s absence and playing every minute under De Zerbi following the Italian’s arrival.

Romano’s latest update reinforces Tottenham’s desire to build around the Dutch defender rather than entertain offers, mirroring the club’s stance on Pedro Porro, who recently agreed a new long-term contract.

Keeping Van de Ven would represent another significant boost for De Zerbi as he continues rebuilding a defence that has conceded 183 Premier League goals across the past three seasons.

With several new additions arriving this summer, the Dutchman is expected to remain one of the foundations of Tottenham’s long-term project.

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Newcastle Star ‘Keen’ on Big Tottenham Move

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Tottenham Hotspur could be set to make one of the biggest moves of the summer, with Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali reportedly open to a big Tottenham move and joining Roberto De Zerbi’s side, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Romano reports that the Italian international has emerged as one of De Zerbi’s priority midfield targets as Spurs continue their rebuild following successive 17th-placed Premier League finishes.

Tottenham are not alone in their interest, however, with Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United all reportedly monitoring the situation.

Spurs Transfer Pursuit of Sandro Tonali: Star Keen on Big Tottenham Move

Tonali Open to Big Tottenham Move

Tottenham are preparing an ambitious move for Tonali, with David Ornstein reporting that agreeing a fee with Newcastle is likely to prove a bigger obstacle than convincing the player to make the switch.

The 26-year-old has three years remaining on his current Newcastle contract, with the club also holding the option to extend the deal by a further year. He joined the Magpies from Italian giants AC Milan in 2023 for £55 million.

Ornstein also reports that there has been no club-to-club contact between Tottenham and Newcastle at this stage. However, Spurs are understood to view Tonali as a statement signing, with De Zerbi personally keen to strengthen his midfield ahead of the new campaign.

Tonali’s Career to Date

Tonali came through the academy at Brescia before completing a move to AC Milan in 2020, where he developed into one of Europe’s most highly regarded midfielders.

The Italian made 130 appearances for the Rossoneri before joining Newcastle in the summer of 2023.

Despite serving a 10-month suspension for breaches of the FA’s betting regulations between October 2023 and August 2024, Tonali quickly established himself as a fan favourite on Tyneside. Since returning, he has helped Newcastle win the Carabao Cup and compete in the UEFA Champions League.

The midfielder has now made 110 appearances for Newcastle, scoring ten goals. During the 2025/26 campaign, he featured 53 times across all competitions, contributing ten goal involvements while operating primarily as a defensive midfielder.

Could a big Tottenham move be next for the Italian?

Internationally, Tonali has earned 32 caps for Italy and is a regular within the national team setup.

Interest From Elsewhere

Tottenham face significant competition for Tonali’s signature, as Romano has previously reported that Manchester City are monitoring the midfielder should they fail to complete a move for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.

Arsenal are also believed to retain an interest, while Manchester United have long admired the Italian, although neither club is currently considered as advanced as Spurs in their pursuit.

Romano has also stated that Tonali would prefer to remain in England, making a Premier League move the most likely outcome should he leave Newcastle this summer.

Tottenham’s Midfield Needs

Midfield has remained a priority area for Tottenham in recent transfer windows, with the arrivals of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, João Palhinha and Conor Gallagher since 2024 all aimed at strengthening the centre of the pitch.

Spurs have already confirmed the departure of Yves Bissouma this summer, while Palhinha’s loan from Bayern Munich has expired, with no decision yet made over a permanent transfer.

That leaves Tottenham looking for further reinforcement in midfield, with Romano reporting that De Zerbi views Tonali as one of his priority targets to lead the club’s rebuild.

Should Spurs succeed in convincing Newcastle to sell, the signing would represent a big statement of intent from the ownership and significantly strengthen a midfield that has undergone major change in recent seasons.

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Tottenham Hotspur make significant £52m breakthrough

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Tottenham Hotspur have been heavily linked with a move for Brighton & Hove Albion and Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke. As reported by David Ornstein at The Athletic, Spurs have now agreed a £52million deal with Brighton to sign the Dutch defender. (More to Follow).

Tottenham Hotspur Eager to Improve on Disastrous 2025/26 Season

Spurs Agree Fee With Brighton for Van Hecke

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Pedro Porro: Future Plans Made Clear by Roberto De Zerbi

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Pedro Porro has been labelled ‘untouchable’ amid ongoing Tottenham contract talks, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Spanish full-back has become a key figure in north London in recent seasons, with Spurs now believed to be close to agreeing a new long-term deal ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Porro is currently away representing Spain at the FIFA World Cup and has two years remaining on his existing Spurs deal, with the club keen to secure his future amid growing external interest.

Tottenham Contract Update on Key Defender

Contract Talks Over Pedro Porro Continue

The 26-year-old joined Spurs in January 2023 under Antonio Conte and has since made 152 appearances, scoring 13 goals and registering 26 assists, establishing himself as one of the most productive attacking full-backs in Europe.

Porro has remained a regular starter under multiple managers following his £39.7 million move from Sporting CP, where he impressed under former Manchester United boss Rúben Amorim.

The right-back is also a Spain international, earning 18 caps since making his debut in 2021.

Interest From Manchester City

After another consistent season in north London, where Porro registered eight goal contributions in 47 appearances, interest has re-emerged from Manchester City.

Porro was previously signed by City from Girona in 2019 but never made a competitive appearance, instead spending time on loan at Real Valladolid and Sporting CP before making his move permanent.

Reports from The Athletic suggest City are targeting a specialist right-back, with Porro among the names being monitored.

However, with Spurs closing in on a new contract agreement, a return to Manchester now appears increasingly unlikely.

Rumours From Abroad

Alongside Manchester City, Fabrizio Romano has previously reported that Real Madrid had also monitored Porro as they explored right-back options following Dani Carvajal’s departure.

Despite this, the Spanish giants have since moved towards Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries, reducing the likelihood of any future approach for Porro.

A Key Player for Spurs

Porro remains highly valued on the white side of North London, with Roberto De Zerbi already trusting him with a key role since his arrival, having played every minute of the Italian’s tenure so far.

With a new Tottenham contract reportedly close, the Spaniard is expected to remain a central figure in Spurs’ plans for years to come, particularly as De Zerbi looks to improve on successive 17th-placed league finishes.

Further discussions are expected to continue after the FIFA World Cup, as De Zerbi’s men aim to finalise terms during the summer window.

Although several departures are expected at Tottenham this summer, as reported by Alasdair Gold, Porro is not among those considered for an exit as Spurs look to secure his long-term future.

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Tottenham Could Lose Out On Highly Coveted Defender

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Tottenham Hotspur youngster Luka Vušković is the subject of a reported £30 million bid from Brighton & Hove Albion, according to David Ornstein. The centre-back reportedly prefers the project offered by the Seagulls in favor of guaranteed game time

The Croatian defender is yet to make a competitive appearance for Spurs, but his outstanding loan spell with Bundesliga side Hamburger SV has attracted significant interest ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The reported Brighton bid is particularly intriguing given Tottenham’s interest in Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke, with Spurs having seen multiple offers rejected in recent weeks.

Brighton Bid Submitted for 19-Year-Old Defender

Tottenham Career So Far

Vušković agreed to join the Lilywhites from Croatian side Hajduk Split in 2023, with the transfer officially completed in the summer of 2025. Deemed by Ornstein as one of the “most coveted” in his position, the player is attracting interest.

The 19-year-old impressed during his first pre-season with the club, registering a goal and an assist in a 2-0 victory over Reading before being included in the matchday squad for the UEFA Super Cup and Tottenham’s opening two Premier League fixtures.

He was then sent on loan to Hamburger SV for the 2025/26 season to gain regular first-team football. Vušković enjoyed an outstanding campaign in the Bundesliga, making 28 league appearances and scoring six goals while playing alongside his older brother, Mario.

His performances earned him a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season, while he was also named Bundesliga Rookie of the Month for both September and October.

The Croatian finished the campaign with the highest duel success rate in the Bundesliga at 69.1%. He also became the first player to win 18 aerial duels in a match across Europe’s major leagues in five years during Hamburger SV’s meeting with Union Berlin.

International Recognition

After progressing through Croatia’s youth sides, Vušković has continued his development on the international stage, already earning five senior caps.

He made his debut against the Czech Republic in June 2025 before scoring his first international goal against Colombia in March 2026.

The teenager has also been called up for Croatia’s squad for this summer’s FIFA World Cup. Drawn in Group L alongside England, Ghana and Panama, the tournament offers Vušković a big opportunity to showcase his talent on the biggest stage.

Interest in the centre-back continues to grow, although it remains unclear whether Tottenham would be willing to consider offers for one of Europe’s brightest young defenders before he has worked under Roberto De Zerbi.

It has already been a busy summer in North London following the arrivals of Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, while the club continue to be linked with van Hecke and Manchester City winger Savinho.

Meanwhile, Alasdair Gold has reported that as many as 17 players could leave Spurs this summer, with Yves Bissouma already departing and Alejo Veliz closing in on a permanent move to Brazilian side Bahia.

Vušković was not among those expected to leave, but Brighton’s reported £30 million bid represents a significant test of Tottenham’s resolve ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

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