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Midfield starlet seeks summer exit

Despite being under contract until June 2031, the 20-year-old has made it clear to the Spurs hierarchy that he believes his future lies away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as several Premier League sides and clubs across Europe monitor the situation - per The Athletic.

The Sweden international was previously the subject of intense speculation during the winter window. Tottenham could face a battle to keep hold of him after rebuffing various enquiries, including from Chelsea and Aston Villa.

From Player of the Year to the sidelines

Bergvall’s trajectory at Spurs has been a rollercoaster since his arrival from Djurgarden in 2024. He initially flourished under Ange Postecoglou, playing a pivotal role in the club's 2025 Europa League triumph - their first piece of silverware in 17 years.

His performances during that campaign were so impressive that he was officially named the club's Player of the Year, seemingly cementing his status as a cornerstone of the team's future.

However, the managerial merry-go-round has stunted his progress. Thomas Frank, who replaced Postecoglou, often deployed the Swede in wide areas rather than his preferred central midfield role. This trend continued under Igor Tudor and has worsened since Roberto De Zerbi took charge in March.

The Italian tactician’s 4-2-3-1 system appears ill-suited to Bergvall’s attributes, with the midfielder barely featuring in the final weeks of the 2025-26 Premier League season.

Premier League rivals on high alert

The uncertainty surrounding Bergvall’s future has not gone unnoticed by Tottenham’s domestic rivals. Both Aston Villa and Chelsea have previously established contact with the club to explore the possibility of a transfer.

While Spurs originally maintained that the player was not for sale, his formal request to move on could force a change in stance if a substantial offer is presented this summer. De Zerbi’s vision for the squad also suggests a transition away from the Swedish youngster.

The Athletic adds that Tottenham are pursuing high-profile targets such as Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, indicating a desire for more established Premier League experience in the engine room. With no European football on the calendar for the upcoming season, minute distribution will be tighter than ever, leaving Bergvall in a precarious position regarding his development.

International bright spot amidst club gloom

While his club career has hit a stumbling block, Bergvall continues to make waves on the international stage. He recently made history by becoming Sweden’s youngest-ever player to appear at a World Cup when he came off the bench during the 5-1 victory over Tunisia. During that match, he provided an assist for Graham Potter’s side, reminding onlookers of the technical quality that made him such a coveted prospect two years ago.

Despite his individual milestones, Sweden’s tournament remains in the balance following a heavy defeat to the Netherlands on matchday two.

Tottenham Hotspur could rival Manchester United for Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow this summer after the Leeds United veteran emerged as a surprise target for both Premier League giants.

According to The Athletic, Manchester United are exploring the goalkeeper market and have identified Darlow as a potential option as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of a return to Champions League football.

But United may not have a clear run at the 35-year-old, with Tottenham also monitoring the situation as uncertainty remains over their own goalkeeping department.

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Darlow is set to become a free agent when his Leeds contract expires at the end of this month, making him an attractive low-cost option for clubs seeking experienced cover between the posts.

The Wales international finished last season as Leeds' first-choice goalkeeper after displacing Lucas Perri midway through the campaign and keeping his place for the remainder of the season.

His performances in a Wales shirt have also seen him become the undisputed No.1 for the national team and that has only served to attract interest from the Premier League.

For Manchester United, the search for a goalkeeper comes amid expected departures. Andre Onana is anticipated to leave permanently or on loan after spending last season with Trabzonspor, while Altay Bayindir is also likely to move on.

That has prompted United to look at experienced alternatives who can provide competition and support for first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

However, Tottenham are also credited with an interest in Darlow.

While Antonin Kinsky is highly rated in north London, questions remain over the long-term future of Guglielmo Vicario. Should the Italian leave this summer, Spurs would need additional goalkeeping depth and Darlow is understood to be one of the names under consideration.

A move to either club would see Darlow take an unusual route from Elland Road to one of English football's biggest clubs.

Leeds and Manchester United rarely conduct business between themselves due to the fierce rivalry between the two sides, although the likes of Eric Cantona, Rio Ferdinand and Alan Smith have made the switch in the past.

Darlow's availability on a free transfer is understood to be a key factor behind the interest. As an English-born player who came through the academy systems at Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, he also qualifies as homegrown, a valuable asset for Premier League squad registration purposes.

The goalkeeper has made almost 300 senior club appearances during his career, including 74 in the Premier League, while he has also earned 15 caps for Wales.

With both Manchester United and Tottenham assessing their goalkeeping options, Darlow could find himself at the centre of an unexpected transfer tussle this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen to sign Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali, with the player said to be open to moving to the North London club.

In what would be an incredibly surprising move, Roberto De Zerbi's Spurs have made the Italian their No 1 signing priority this summer, with moves afoot to secure a deal.

Newcastle have not received any bids for Tonali, and are unlikely to sell for anything less than £100m, with strong interest from Arsenal and Manchester City, plus European giants such as PSG and Real Madrid monitoring the situation.

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Manchester United have been linked with the Italian international, but reports suggest they will turn their attentions elsewhere after learning Newcastle's price tag.

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Tonali signed for United in 2023, but missed 10 months of his debut season after receiving a ban for gambling-related offences. However, he has since become a key part of Eddie Howe's side, although with the club needing to sell in order to help fund a squad rebuild, he is one of the names linked with an exit.

United sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3m last month, and there are expected to be more big-name departures in the summer transfer window.

However, if Tonali was to leave, Newcastle would then double down on their intentions to keep rising stars such as Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento.

Spurs are stooges - Chronicle verdict

Let's get this straight. Sandro Tonali is not leaving Newcastle United for any side not playing Champions League football next season, which is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Spurs.

Not only have the North London side struggled at the wrong end of the Premier League table for two seasons in a row now, but they, like Newcastle, will not be competing in Europe next term. They only avoided relegation on the final day of the season, in case anyone needs reminding.

Then there's the small matter of the price tag. United are not going to let the Italian leave for anything less than the £100m mark, which feels a fair price for one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League. The fact Manchester City and Arsenal like him tells you everything you need to know about his ability and value.

The idea of Spurs being able to afford that sort of fee is fanciful at best. De Zerbi would have to sell half his squad to fund such a move, and while few Tottenham fans would complain at that, it's not going to happen.

Tonali is ambitious. He wants to win trophies and has all the attributes to play at the very highest level. So why on earth would he be attracted to Spurs?

Maybe we're being sceptical, but could this is a ruse to flush out would-be bidders, with transfer talk involving the Italian international going noticeably quiet since the season ended? If City sign Elliot Anderson and Man Utd bring in West Ham's Matheus Fernandes, where does that leave Tonali?

His agent Giuseppe Riso is not usually shy of throwing his name around, but on this occasion, he is perhaps allowing others to stir the pot.

It may well work, but Spurs will be nothing more than the stooges in all this.

Pedro Porro has committed his long-term future to Tottenham after he signed a new contract at the club.

Right-back Porro was set to enter the final two years of his previous deal this summer and despite a host of Europe’s biggest teams circling, the former Sporting Lisbon full-back has agreed a contract until the summer of 2031, the Press Association understands.

An option for a further 12 months is also included, PA understands, and is the latest key move made by Spurs under Roberto De Zerbi since they avoided relegation on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign.

De Zerbi said: “Pedro is a very important player for us, who has consistently shown his ability to influence matches in both defensive and attacking situations.

“As well as his technical quality, I also love his mentality. Every day he wants to work, to learn and to improve, and these are the characteristics that help players reach the highest level.

“He understands football in a very intelligent way, and brings energy, intensity and personality to the team.

“This new contract is good news for everyone at the club. We believe in Pedro, and I am excited to continue working with him and helping him achieve even more in the coming years.”

Porro made 47 appearances during a dismal last season for Tottenham, which did end with survival, and the full-back impressed during De Zerbi’s seven-game tenure.

Signed for 45million euros (£39.5m) in 2023, the Spain international has become one of the club’s most reliable players in terms of availability amid multiple injury crises in recent seasons.

The 25-year-old has produced 13 goals and 26 assists for Spurs and celebrated his 150th appearance in last month’s 1-1 draw with Leeds.

A new contract for Porro continues a busy start to the summer for Tottenham with free agents Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi signed. Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke has also been targeted and two bids for the Dutch centre-back have been turned down, PA understands.

Brighton have turned attention to Spurs youngster Luka Vuskovic amid negotiations for Van Hecke but a £30m offer on Friday has been rejected.

Pedro Porro has signed a new five-year deal at Tottenham.

The right-back, who had reportedly been linked with a move away from north London, has committed his future to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, penning a deal that runs until 2031.

That contract will have the option of a year’s extension to 2032.

The Spaniard featured 47 times in all competitions for Spurs last term as they scraped Premier League survival by the skin of their teeth.

He became a key figure under new boss Roberto De Zerbi, and sporting director Johan Lange insisted that retaining Porro’s services was a “priority” for the club.

“Securing Pedro's future was an important priority for us this summer,” he said.

“During the past three-and-half years, he has made huge progress to become one of the best full-backs in the game, and the fact he is about to play in the World Cup for Spain is testament to that.

“Pedro is at an age where he can provide leadership and experience, while still having room for further development.

“His character, work ethic and quality are exactly what we look for when building a squad capable of competing at the highest level and we are delighted that he has chosen to continue his journey with the club.”

Porro, who joined Spurs initially on loan from Sporting Lisbon back in 2023, has made 152 appearances for the club and has cemented himself as a permanent fixture in De Zerbi’s plans.

“Pedro is a very important player for us, who has consistently shown his ability to influence matches in both defensive and attacking situations,” the former Brighton manager said.

“As well as his technical quality, I also love his mentality. Every day he wants to work, to learn and to improve, and these are the characteristics that help players reach the highest level.

“He understands football in a very intelligent way, and brings energy, intensity and personality to the team.

“This new contract is good news for everyone at the Club. We believe in Pedro, and I am excited to continue working with him and helping him achieve even more in the coming years.”

Leeds United have been told it could be worth the risk of bringing Troy Parrott back to the Premier League, as the striker continues to be linked with Daniel Farke's team.

The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland striker has been mentioned as a potential Leeds signing for over 12 months now, with that speculation escalating in 2026 on the back of impressive form by Parrott.

The former Tottenham Hotspur graduate as been a massive hit in the Netherlands after first moving to Excelsior Rotterdam and now banging in the goals for AZ Alkmaar, scoring at an average of more than a goal every two games.

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That goal ration has caught the attention of a host of clubs, with speculation the striker is set on a return to England this summer. Needing to strengthen their options up top, former Arsenal forward Alan Smith has backed a move by Leeds for Parrott.

In his latest column for BestBettingSites.co.uk, Arsenal legend and Sky Sport commentator Smith, said; "Troy’s been about a bit, hasn’t he? But his last season was fantastic in terms of goals. So it’s a big step up to the Premier League. Of course it is.

"Daniel Farke’s played two up top quite often last season in that kind of 3-5-2. So there might be a slot there for him. I think Leeds need a bit more firepower, certainly. So it would be a bit of a punt. But I think when it comes to strikers, most signings are unless you’re spending 100 million odd.

"It’d be interesting to see him back in because I remember when he came through at Spurs, everyone was talking about him. So we’ll see how that develops."

It has been a whirlwind week for Tottenham's new centre-back Marcos Senesi.

On Wednesday, the 29-year-old's move to Spurs was officially announced after a medical was completed earlier this month.

That transfer will become official on July 1 when Senesi departs Bournemouth as a free agent.

The defender has been on holiday with his partner this week but that came to an abrupt halt after a phone call from Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.

An injury to Marseille’s Leonardo Balerdi opened up a space in Argentina's World Cup squad and Senesi was called up as a last-minute replacement.

Senesi has rushed to join up with his international team-mates in Kansas City, where Argentina are based for the tournament at the Sporting KC Training Centre.

He will have a few days to push his case for involvement in Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 17.

That will be the first opportunity for Spurs fans to potentially watch their latest signing get some minutes on the biggest stage in football.

Senesi faces a battle to get on the pitch, though. Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero are competing to start, with Facundo Medina offering further cover.

After facing Algeria, Argentina then take on Austria and Jordan in Group J at the World Cup.

If the holders progress all the way through to the final, Senesi will be at the tournament until July 19.

That is just a week before Spurs begin their pre-season tour of New Zealand against Auckland FC.

Senesi has been capped three times for Argentina, with the first of those coming in 2022 against Estonia.

He was named in Scaloni's initial 55-man squad for the World Cup before being cut when the selections were finalised.

However, Balerdi's misfortune has opened up an opportunity for Senesi to play his part in Argentina's bid to go back-to-back and defend their status as world champions.

Brighton standing firm on £50m valuation

Brighton CEO Paul Barber has confirmed that Tottenham have been unsuccessful with two separate approaches for Van Hecke in recently. The 25-year-old has emerged as a primary target for Spurs as they look to shore up a defence that nearly cost them their Premier League status last term. Despite Van Hecke entering the final year of his contract, the South Coast club are demanding a fee in the region of £50 million.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Barber was transparent about the situation. "There's always going to be a lot of interest in our best players, and certainly in the case of Jan Paul. We've been very clear that that interest has been ongoing for a while, it's coming from multiple sources. Yes, we have rejected a bid from Tottenham over the last week or so, in fact, two bids," Barber revealed.

The Seagulls' model and European ambitions

For Brighton, the decision to hold out for a premium price is rooted in their long-term strategy and upcoming European campaign. Having qualified for continental competition, head coach Fabian Hurzeler requires a deep and talented squad to compete on multiple fronts. Barber emphasised that any departure must satisfy the club's financial requirements while ensuring the team remains competitive on the pitch.

Barber explained: "From that point of view, it has to be right for us as well as the player. 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, because he's got another big season ahead of him. He's had two seasons in the Premier League, he's finished eighth on both occasions, this time we've been fortunate enough to qualify for a European competition."

Balancing experience and youth for Hurzeler

Brighton’s refusal to sell on the cheap is also a signal of intent to their Premier League rivals. With Liverpool and Newcastle also reportedly monitoring Van Hecke, the Seagulls are in no rush to lose a player who has become a Dutch international since his £2m move from NAC Breda in 2020. Barber noted that maintaining a blend of young talent and veteran leadership is essential for the club's continued hierarchy-climbing.

Summarising the club's stance, Barber added: "We want to go as deep in that competition as we can, while also doing well in the Premier League. To do that, we need to make sure Fabian's got the best possible squad and we've got the right balance between the young players that typically we like to bring in and develop, and the more experienced players like Pascal Gross and others, who can actually help us progress in all of the competitions that we're in. As always, it's a balancing act, and hopefully this summer we can work hard to pull it off again."

Tottenham’s defensive crisis and Romero uncertainty

The pursuit of Van Hecke comes at a time of great upheaval at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. After a campaign where the club survived a relegation battle by just two points, the hierarchy is desperate to provide more stability at the back. While they have already secured Andy Robertson on a free transfer and are closing in on Marcos Senesi, the future of captain Cristian Romero remains a major talking point among the fan base.

The Argentine’s discipline has been a significant issue, with Romero missing six games through suspension last year - matches in which Spurs struggled for results. Further friction was caused when Romero travelled back to Argentina ahead of a crucial final-day clash against Everton while nursing an injury. With interest from Atletico Madrid previously reported, Spurs may be looking at Van Hecke as a long-term pillar of a new-look defensive unit.

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Everton have reportedly made a play to hijack a deal for the highly-rated midfielder.

A report from the The Athletic indicates that the Merseysiders have stolen a march on their top-flight rivals, positioning themselves at the front of the race for Hackney's signature.

Securing the Middlesbrough skipper will require fending off competition from across the Premier League. The 23-year-old’s reputation has skyrocketed over the past year, culminating in him being named Championship Player of the Season.

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That standout individual campaign has inevitably triggered top-flight scouting missions, with London pair Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace both credited with a long-standing interest in the England Under-21 international.

The most formidable obstacle to Everton’s pursuit, however, was widely expected to come from Old Trafford.

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Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is thought to have made no secret of his desire to bring his former Middlesbrough prodigy to Old Trafford.

The tactical bond between the pair is considerable, with Carrick entrusted Hackney with a vital first-team role on Teesside, overseeing his development across 104 senior outings. Given that history, footballing circles heavily anticipated that Hackney would jump at the chance to accept a formal proposal from Man United to reunite with his former mentor.

Yet, Everton’s intervention has altered the transfer landscape. Middlesbrough’s promotion ambitions were dashed by a painful defeat to Hull City in the Championship play-off final, rendering Hackney’s departure a near certainty.

With the midfielder entering the final 12 months of his contract, the Boro hierarchy likely realise this window is their final opportunity to command a sizeable fee.

While Manchester United have broader squad rebuilding priorities and Spurs assess their options, Everton appear to have moved decisively. By offering a guaranteed, central role in their Premier League midfield, the Toffees could be on the verge of pulling off one of the summer’s most impressive transfer coups.

Everton were a supporting act in the final day storyline as Tottenham Hotspur secured their Premier League survival through Joao Palhinha’s first half goal.

The Blues were unable to play on the hosts’ anxiety until it was too late - with a flurry of efforts in stoppage time the height of the threat they posed, the opportunities coming with Spurs’ fate effectively sealed.

The press box was packed given the stakes at play - and this is what some of those national reporters made of their performance. For several, they were the dream opponent for a desperate Spurs.

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That was clearly the view of Oliver Holt who, in the Mail, wrote: “Everton generally played the role of ideal opponents for Spurs on such a critical day. They barely mustered a shot. There were still nervous moments: Tyrique George was through on Antonin Kinsky but chose to try to pass to an opponent rather than dink the ball over him. The danger was cleared.”

David Hytner, writing in the Guardian, gave credit for Everton’s late surge, in which George also drew a stunning save from Kinsky, but overall concluded: “Everton had nothing to play for. They were in the nightclubs, to riff off the popular phrase. David Moyes had said he would love to help his old club West Ham stay in the league but there was a chasm between the motivation levels for the respective teams.”

Alyson Rudd, in the Times, echoed that sentiment - though highlighted Everton’s lack of ferocity did not prevent some nerves from creeping in among the home supporters: “It was clear which team had the most to gain from victory and Everton had no real desire to match Spurs’ excitable vibrancy, but then came some murmuring as news of West Ham taking the lead filtered through and the slam-dunk nature of the afternoon became ever so slightly diluted.

“David Moyes’s side took it as a cue to become a little more threatening and the mood shifted a tad further towards jitteriness, especially when West Ham scored again. There were relieved cheers, though, the second that James Maddison, on his way back from lengthy injury, took off his bib and prepared to enter the fray.”

Perhaps most damning of Everton came not from a match report but from Alan Tyers, who in a review of the coverage of the final day for the Telegraph, suggested the twists and turns a global audience were hoping for were unlikely to be provided by the Blues.

He wrote: “Nobody who has watched the Premier League in recent years would have been confident in Everton’s capacity to deliver thrills: Sunday’s dramatic potential ultimately depended on the Everton’s ability to do the business by putting Spurs under the pump.

Unsurprisingly, they did not. Therefore, and at the risk of sounding like a curmudgeon, the Sky Sports final-day coverage was an appropriate tribute to the champions Arsenal: effective but hard to love for the neutral.”

The ECHO, meanwhile, focused on the frustration that has built as Everton let slip a golden opportunity for Europe by going winless in their final seven matches: “The end to Everton’s season has been woeful. After carrying momentum into the final international break of the campaign, a run of seven games without a win has cost the club dear.

“Two months ago Europe, and maybe even the Champions League, was within reach. But instead it is Bournemouth, Sunderland and Brighton who will also experience famous nights under the lights.

“Everton will also be playing night games next season but they will once again be subjected to the misery of Monday matches as eight Premier League rivals - nine if Crystal Palace win the Europa Conference League next week - savour a taste of what they crave. The past seven matches have seen injuries and bad decisions prove destructive to the Blues' hopes and ambitions. Missed chances, defensive lapses and questionable tactics have also hurt those dreams of more enjoyable days on the immediate horizon.

Everton travelled to Tottenham Hotspur as the supporting act in the big story of the final day of the season. But, like across the last seven matches, they played a leading role in their downfall.”