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Archie Gray should be banging on Roberto De Zerbi's door amid latest Tottenham transfer news

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Archie Gray should be banging on Roberto De Zerbi's door amid latest Tottenham transfer news - Yahoo Sports UK
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Archie Gray looks to have found himself at somewhat of a crossroads in his Tottenham Hotspur career.

Spurs forked out a reported £40million fee to sign a then 18-year-old Gray from Leeds United two years ago.

Since then, Gray has racked up 81 appearances in a Tottenham shirt, and became a Europa League winner in 2025.

The past couple of years have been tricky for Spurs, but Gray has been appreciated for his workrate and attitude.

However, you do wonder if the work already done, and potentially to come, in the window might hinder his progress.

Indeed, you absolutely could not blame Gray, now 20, if he were banging on Roberto De Zerbi's door about a potential exit.

What's the latest with Tottenham's transfer window?

Spurs were uncomfortably close to an embarrassing relegation from the Premier League last season.

Quite simply, that cannot be allowed to happen again this season and, in fairness, moves have been taken to ensure it does not.

Part of that process has been huge money splashed out on Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali to boost Spurs' midfield options.

With the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, Conor Gallagher, and Pape Matar Sarr at the club, there are a lot of midfield options - not even accounting for Lucas Bergvall who wants out of the club.

But this week alone, Spurs have been linked with moves for Celtic's midfielder Arne Engels (TeamTALK) and Bournemouth's Alex Scott (the Mirror).

Whether that reported interest develops or not, it does hint that De Zerbi is not yet finished looking for new options in the engine room.

Tottenham fans all on the same page after Archie Gray transfer reveal Archie Gray can't afford to be lost in the crowd at Tottenham

Tottenham News has previously covered reports of Newcastle United having an enquiry for Gray knocked back.

But Gray has a real danger of being lost in the crowd at Spurs this season, which is not beneficial to him or the club.

There is an argument that his versatility means he should be kept in the building, with Gray a potential back-up option at right-back to Pedro Porro.

Even that, though, feels like it could count against him and his development long term, because he doesn't want to be a Jack of all trades, master of none.

The best potential solution could be to allow Gray to go out on loan, providing he went to a home where he would be a first-team regular.

Right now, his prospects at Spurs under De Zerbi look a little bleak, and for a player who has always given everything to the cause his own future must be protected.

How Richarlison can ultimately force his way into Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham plans

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How Richarlison can ultimately force his way into Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham plans - Yahoo Sports UK
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The striker position at Tottenham Hotspur is by no means secure.

Dominic Solanke has faced numerous injury issues at Hotspur Way and, when he has played, has not scored the number of goals you would expect.

Mathys Tel, who can play down the middle, has been preferred out wide.

Meanwhile, Richarlison's future has routinely been put into question over the last few months. Tottenham Hotspur News has spoken with experts who feel Richarlison could still leave.

But there is one part of the Brazilian's game that may ultimately keep him firmly at the fore of Roberto De Zerbi's plans.

And that could see Richarlison land a significant role for the upcoming season.

The quality that sets Richarlison apart from Dominic Solanke

Solanke and Richarlison are two very different strikers, and that is frankly clear when watching them.

Solanke thrives in holding up play, using his movement to bring his teammates into the game and getting on the end of chances.

Whereas Richarlison is a much more direct and aggressive type of centre-forward. He relentlessly runs and presses with a high intensity.

While the type of striker that Solanke is may typically be what De Zerbi is looking for, Richarlison's work-rate will not go unnoticed.

In the most recent friendly against MK Dons, his desire to win the ball back was evidently clear.

While the Englishman and South American played 45 minutes each, Richarlison competed in nine duels, of which he won six, as per Sofascore.

Meanwhile, Solanke competed in just three, winning two. This is evidence that Richarlison is looking to engage against the opposition and effectively create turnovers for Spurs.

And that willingness is a quality not often present in Tottenham's forward department.

Roberto De Zerbi can't believe his own words as Dominic Solanke faces new trust test at Tottenham How Richarlison already has Roberto De Zerbi's backing

If the 29-year-old is worried about how his manager feels about him heading into the season, then there is really shouldn't be any to be had.

Towards the end of last season, as relayed by Football London, De Zerbi stated about Richarlison: "Richarlison is a great guy because he is a sensitive guy, I like him as a player and as a man. What he thinks you can understand immediately from his face, or his eyes. It's pure."

The Tottenham forward will have to keep up what he has been showing to the Italian since his arrival.

Richarlison could yet prove to be a very important and crucial player for Tottenham, with Solanke perhaps facing a tougher battle than expected up top.

Middlesbrough now want Ashley Phillips with another transfer jackpot possible for Tottenham

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Middlesbrough now want Ashley Phillips with another transfer jackpot possible for Tottenham - Yahoo Sports UK
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Middlesbrough want to sign Ashley Phillips from Tottenham Hotspur after completing a deal for Will Lankshear.

The 21-year-old defender has emerged as a target for the Championship club, but the North London outfit won't let him go for cheap.

Boro have already paid the Lilywhites £10million up front for the young striker and the deal includes an additional £10m in add-ons.

Middlesbrough are now looking to get Phillips from Spurs as they hope to win promotion to the Premier League next season.

The England Under-21 international has spent the last two seasons on loan at Stoke City.

After the defender's successful spells in the Championship, the North Yorkshire side are now hoping to strike a deal in N17.

How much Middlesbrough will have to pay for Ashley Phillips transfer

Tottenham are open to letting Phillips leave this summer, but are looking to get a decent amount for him.

Many were left shocked by how much Boro paid for Lankshear, and they could now have to make a similar financial commitment.

According to well-known journalist Alan Nixon via Patreon on 22 July, Spurs could be looking to get £10m or more for Phillips.

Middlesbrough, who reached the Championship play-offs final last season, have the cash to tempt the North London outfit.

While Stoke and several other teams also want the centre-back, the hierarchy at the Riverside have the financial means to win the race.

Ashley Phillips: Tottenham must give pre-season chance to 'one of the best' in coach's career Other youngsters Tottenham could cash in on

Tottenham News have continued to cover Spurs' interest in Manchester City's Savinho, and the 22-year-old's move to N17 could be inevitable.

The North London outfit have already spent a hefty sum to sign the likes of Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, but are looking to spend more money.

Savinho surely won't come cheap and the Lilywhites may be prepared to sell some of their other youngsters to balance their books.

Mikey Moore's sale would generate a decent profit after the academy graduate impressed at Rangers, but that can't happen.

Lucas Bergvall also may not have a future under Roberto De Zerbi, but he has proven his qualities in the Premier League, so big money could be secured.

Dane Scarlett is another youngster whose future should be away from Tottenham after multiple loan spells away.

Either way, Spurs are not done yet.

I worked for Tottenham and I can't believe they're selling player 'in the Ledley King bracket'

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I worked for Tottenham and I can't believe they're selling player 'in the Ledley King bracket' - Yahoo Sports UK
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Tottenham Hotspur would be crazy not to make Djed Spence a central part of Roberto De Zerbi's project.

That is the opinion of former senior Tottenham scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed a sensational World Cup, starring again for England on Saturday as they beat France 6-4 to finish third.

Rumours linking Spence with a move away have been continuous, however, with Everton among the sides reported to be particularly keen.

The Toffees hope to pay around £25million for the full-back, who is under contract at Tottenham until 2029 with the option of an additional year.

The arrival of Andy Robertson has posed a threat to Spence's playing time in North London, with Destiny Udogie set to be first choice.

Tottenham transfer legend hails Djed Spence

Spence was initially a controversial selection when Thomas Tuchel included him in his England squad.

The former Middlesbrough full-back made 30 Premier League appearances last season and spent some of it on the bench.

De Zerbi's arrival saw him benched, starting just twice as Tottenham narrowly survived relegation.

But this summer has been a transformative one for Spence's reputation and potential future.

The 25-year-old's minutes were limited in the group stage, but injuries at right-back saw him start the game against DR Congo, before positive appearances off the bench saw him start against Argentina in the semi-final and against France on Saturday.

Spence was a standout in both games, making one particularly impressive tackle to deny Giuliano Simeone and winning a penalty against France.

"If I was the Tottenham manager, I'd be wanting him to be one of the mainstays of my team," King told Football Insider. "He's a young player.

"He's got a great future. You can play him in several positions. Why in God's name would you want to sell him? Is it to recoup some of the money you've laid out in other positions? That isn't smart for me.

"This is a player who could be a great Tottenham player. I'm putting him in the Ledley King bracket here. He's got great potential, the boy. I mean, he probably made the tackle of the World Cup, didn't he?

"And has shown to be an outstanding international footballer. He's a player I've always fancied. No fuss, gets on with the game. No fuss."

'Keep an eye on this' - Everton Insider: Djed Spence move hinges on Nottingham Forest deal Everton's chances of completing Djed Spence deal revealed in new update 'Keep an eye on this' - Everton Insider: Djed Spence move hinges on Nottingham Forest deal Tottenham's rivals to survey Spence situation

While Tottenham consider what to do with Spence this summer, they may well soon be forced to field interest from their own rivals.

Full-backs are of priority to Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool this summer, among others.

Spence, at 25, may well represent an ideal option, with the price certainly to rise if they come knocking.

Tottenham still may well keep the full-back, but it is becoming increasingly likely that he will pursue more consistent playing time elsewhere.

Tottenham: Lucas Bergvall frustrated before Spurs return as Roberto De Zerbi stance revealed

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Lucas Bergvall remains keen to leave Tottenham this summer despite the club rejecting offers for him, as he prepares to return for pre-season this week.

The midfielder’s representatives informed Spurs last month that he wanted a transfer.

Bergvall sees himself as a No8 and is disappointed with the lack of opportunities in that position at Tottenham, particularly since Roberto De Zerbi took charge.

Nottingham Forest registered their interest in Bergvall and had an opening bid rejected, before Newcastle’s offer of £46million was also turned down.

It is believed that Bergvall would have been open to joining either club and there was some surprise in his camp that Newcastle’s approach was knocked back.

There is an acceptance internally at Spurs that the club need to become better at selling players and there is a desire to improve on that front this summer.

That was a key factor in letting defender Luka Vuskovic, who also informed the club that he wanted to leave, join Brighton in a £50m deal last week.

While there has been interest from elsewhere in Europe and Bergvall would consider all his options, his preference is to stay in the Premier League.

Bergvall is contracted at Spurs through to 2031 but has grown increasingly disappointed with the response to his transfer request.

Standard Sport understands that Bergvall has had no contact with De Zerbi this summer, either during the World Cup or since Sweden were knocked out by France in the round of 32 on June 30.

There have also been no attempts from the club to persuade Bergvall to change his stance after being informed that he wanted a move.

Not hearing from De Zerbi since the end of last season is understood to have cemented Bergvall’s belief that he is not in the Italian’s plans and that he needs to pursue a move to prevent his career stalling.

Bergvall struggled for minutes in the closing stages of last season and Spurs have since signed midfielders Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes for big money.

The Swede was not in the group of Spurs players to begin pre-season training last week.

He was given more time off after his involvement with Sweden at the World Cup and has been told to report back this week.

Bergvall is expected to do so and there is no suggestion that he will publicly agitate for a move.

However, he would like an exit to be agreed before Spurs travel to New Zealand for their pre-season tour. They face Auckland FC at Eden Park next weekend.

Man Utd confirm signing of 'exciting' Tottenham winger in £8m transfer

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United secure highly-rated Spurs starlet

United have reached an agreement to sign Thompson from Tottenham. The deal represents a significant coup for the club, who have successfully warded off competition from domestic and European suitors to secure the services of the England Under-18 international.

The club did not disclose the details of the transfer, but according to the Daily Mail, the deal is for an initial fee of £4 million, with a further £4 million structured as performance-based bonuses and a 20% sell-on clause for Spurs.

United delighted to welcome 'exciting' youngster

Thompson leaves the Tottenham academy after six years, having joined the club at the age of 12. The Red Devils expressed their delight in an official club statement, saying: "Manchester United have agreed the signing of exciting young winger Tynan Thompson, subject to registration. The England youth international has joined from Tottenham Hotspur.

"The 18-year-old scored 13 goals and contributed six assists last season across Under-18s to Under-21s level, including seven goals in seven UEFA Youth League games. His performances earned him opportunities within Spurs’ first-team matchday squads. Everyone at United would like to welcome Tynan to the club and wish him the very best of luck for the future."

INEOS recruitment drive continues

Thompson is the latest arrival in a busy period for United that has already seen several high-profile deals completed to improve the starting XI and the wider squad depth. Before moving for the Spurs winger, United had already finalised deals for Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, and veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

The move for Thompson highlights a specific intention to enhance the quality of their youth team while simultaneously providing Michael Carrick with versatile attacking options.

First-team pathway at Old Trafford

Despite his age, Thompson was already knocking on the door of senior football during his final season at Tottenham. His consistent goal-scoring exploits and creative output earned him a spot in Spurs' first-team matchday squads on multiple occasions. Most notably, he was named as an unused substitute in two Champions League fixtures, suggesting he was already deemed ready for the highest level of pressure. Thompson is expected to join up with his new United teammates shortly, with the club's staff eager to integrate him into the training environment.

How Tottenham have plugged issue called out by Ange Postecoglou as two hires incoming

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Tottenham Hotspur can point to countless issues for their dreadful Premier League finishes over the past two seasons.

Managers, Ange Postecoglou among them, have to take their fair share of the blame.

However, Postecoglou, Thomas Frank and even Roberto De Zerbi can point to one issue above all else.

That is Tottenham's rather comical injury record, with a whole team of players sidelined at times.

But it seems that Spurs are working behind the scenes to get to the bottom of that problem.

That is amid an update suggesting two new hires are close to being made at Hotspur Way.

Tottenham set to appoint two new medical staff members

Postecoglou regularly bemoaned his lack of options at times, as did Frank, without directly blaming anyone at the club.

However, it is obvious that something needed to change behind the scenes. Bad luck is one thing, but this was something else.

Tottenham News has reported extensively on Spurs' array of problems in recent times, one of which now could be dealt with.

Now, Himothy Reports - an account with close to 21,000 followers on X, including Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge and other respected journalists - has provided a positive update.

Tom Tombleson is said to be joining Tottenham from City Group, who have Manchester City among their stable of clubs, as well as Ali James from Aston Villa.

The two men will join Spurs' medical department for the start of the new season.

While appointments such as this can often go under the radar - it is new signings fans really care about - this has to be considered a massive positive for Spurs.

All the Tottenham youngsters training with first team as Malachi Hardy now involved What do we know about Tom Tombleson and Ali James?

Tombleson previously played rugby, including for England 7s at international level.

He then spent 10 years working with England Rugby as their senior strength and conditioning coordinator and head of sports science.

Tombleson has more recent worked as a rehab performance coach with Manchester City.

As for James, he also has a rugby background and played for Gloucester Rugby back in 2007.

He has more recently worked as a physiotherapist, including for Wasps, where he was head of medical services.

While they are not miracle workers, the hope now is the two can help get to the bottom of Tottenham's dreadful injury record.

Do that, and De Zerbi really does have a chance of getting Tottenham back in the top four.

How Everton can now 'complicate' £30m Djed Spence transfer

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Everton may yet win the race for Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence.

The England international has emerged as a transfer option for the Toffees as David Moyes looks to bolster his defence.

As things stand, the Blues have a clear lack of quality in depth at full-back and the Spurs ace could solve that problem.

Spence can play at both right-back and left-back, which will certainly come in handy at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Englishman is attracting plenty of interest in the transfer window after starring for the Three Lions at the World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel surprised many when he opted to take the defender to North America, but he has exceeded expectations as England won the bronze medal after beating France in a thrilling encounter on 18 July.

Everton could have Djed Spence transfer opening

Goodison News has extensively covered Everton's interest in Spence, but it remains to be seen how his situation will develop.

The 25-year-old has also emerged as a target for Inter Milan, who are planning to bid around £30million for the versatile defender.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport on 19 July, the full-back wants to return to Italy, but Tottenham won't make things easy for the Serie A side.

Spurs' demands could potentially hinder the Nerazzurri and the prospect of other teams joining the race could 'complicate' matters.

The Friedkin Group must show their ambition at Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer and there's arguably no better way to do that than get a deal over the line for Spence.

Everton could finally solve David Moyes problem amid Djed Spence latest How Djed Spence can unlock full potential of Hill Dickinson Stadium squad

Moyes has relied on Jake O'Brien and Vitalii Mykolenko as his two full-backs at Everton.

While the Scottish manager showed faith in the two defenders, they lacked the cutting edge needed in the final third.

O'Brien and Mykolenko often frustrated fans with their lack of initiative and quality in the final third, something that the Toffees undoubtedly need to improve next season.

Spence has shown his abilities at both ends of the pitch during the World Cup and could make the difference as the Blues look to progress in the Premier League.

The Tottenham star can add an extra edge to the Merseyside outfit's attack, but it remains to be seen whether they can sign him from Spurs.

Tottenham must move immediately as 'unrivalled' Stuart Lewis exit revealed

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Tottenham must move immediately as 'unrivalled' Stuart Lewis exit revealed - Yahoo Sports UK
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Tottenham Hotspur will be reeling with Stuart Lewis now set to depart.

The promising youth coach has been with the Lilywhites since 2015, but is now set for something new.

Now, work will have to begin on finding a replacement to cover his role within the academy.

Tottenham News has regularly covered Spurs' academy success stories in recent months.

It seems as though there has been a youth exodus in N17 recently, and Lewis is the latest to move on.

Tottenham must act fast and get a replacement through the door immediately, if the good work is to continue.

What is the latest on Stuart Lewis and Tottenham?

John Wenham, who runs the Lilywhite Rose account, reports that Lewis is set to leave to join Ipswich.

Writing on Instagram, he states that the 38-year was responsible for "unrivalled success" at youth level.

He won three trophies in three years as Under-18 manager at Hotspur Way.

It adds further details, saying that he was "proper, proper Tottenham."

To lose him, could be a body blow to the hopes of the N17 outfit's talents, as he was a key supporter.

Harry Redknapp hits out at easy-to-solve Tottenham issue as change called for What does Lewis exit mean for Tottenham

Tottenham simply can't afford to let the good work that Lewis has done go to waste, if he does indeed leave.

Mikey Moore is one of the academy players who has previously spoken about his influence at the club.

He said: "When I made my way into the Under-18s, Stu, Bradley [Allen], Jermain [Defoe] and all the Academy coaches helped me so much.

"They kept allowing me to express myself and keep being free and ever since I've kept on looking forward."

Lewis has also worked with the likes of Jamie Donley, Luca Williams-Barnett and George Abbott, who are expected to make their breakthroughs shortly if all goes to plan.

The North London outfit will have to find somebody else to oversee their best youth talents and have a similar impact to the former Wycombe player.

If they do not adequately replace him, it could prove devastating for any prospects hoping to break through under Roberto De Zerbi.

The Italian boss has already shown little faith in the academy, so losing such a figure may not convince him that it is a viable route for his squad building.

If the new man can convince the manager that the youth academy is worth looking into, then it could prove to be an upgrade on Lewis in the long-run.

Cesc Fabregas has unknowingly 'prepared Martin Baturina for Tottenham move'

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Cesc Fabregas has unknowingly 'prepared Martin Baturina for Tottenham move' - Yahoo Sports UK
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Roberto De Zerbi would be key to Martin Baturina's success at Tottenham Hotspur, Tottenham News has exclusively been told.

The 23-year-old has been widely linked with a potential move to Tottenham this summer, having starred in Serie A last season.

Joining Como from Dinamo Zagreb last summer, Baturina scored eight times and provided four assists in 34 total appearances for the Italians in 2025-26.

Having joined Dinamo Zagreb as a youngster, the Swiss-born attacking midfielder played 165 times for the Croatian giants, and has also been capped 23 times by Croatia at senior international level.

Tottenham have already made a number of additions to their midfield department this summer, so it remains to be seen whether Baturina is firmly in their transfer plans.

Should he indeed be on Spurs' to-sign list, then the Lilywhites have been given some very encouraging testimony about what kind of player, and human being, they would be acquiring.

How Martin Baturina could flourish for Tottenham revealed

Tottenham News has discussed De Zerbi's ability to get the best out of his players, and that was made evident during Spurs' Premier League run-in for survival last term.

The Italian found ways to get more out of certain previously underperforming players, and the level at which he's been backed in the market so far this summer shows the confidence that's behind him at boardroom level.

And, Croatian football correspondent Daniela Rogulj, who has been featured on platforms such as CNN, the BBC and talkSPORT respectively, has exclusively told Tottenham News why De Zerbi would be able to get the best out of Baturina in N17.

"On paper, it makes a lot of sense (Baturina to Tottenham)," she said. "De Zerbi likes his teams to build patiently and progress the ball through midfielders who can receive under pressure and turn defence into attack in one motion.

"His time under Cesc Fabregas at Como, another coach with a similar possession-based philosophy, should have prepared him well for that kind of system.

"The question isn't really whether he fits De Zerbi's style, because I think he clearly does, but it's more about where he fits into that Tottenham midfield specifically, given the players already there and the money being spent elsewhere this summer.

"If Spurs are serious about building an attacking, possession-heavy side under De Zerbi, Baturina is the profile of player who could genuinely elevate that project.

"I wouldn't rule out him succeeding elsewhere too, but the tactical alignment with De Zerbi is one of the stronger arguments for this move in particular."

So, Tottenham have been given the green light on signing Baturina from a tactical fit perspective, but does he tick the all important character box as well?

Every Tottenham position ranked from strongest to weakest amid transfer window latest What are the three words that sum up Baturina best?

Still just 23, Baturina is an ascending young talent who remains a number of years away from hitting his prime.

Despite that, he's already racked up plenty of experience in senior football, and has just played four games at the World Cup for Croatia, including scoring a fantastic goal against England in their 4-2 defeat to the Three Lions.

His talent and potential doesn't appear to ever have been in doubt, and Rogulj has also waxed lyrical over his character and mindset too.

"Humble, motivated, hardworking," she said to describe Baturina in three words. "You saw all three on full display at this World Cup.

"To make his tournament debut at this stage of his career and have the impact he did within this Croatia squad was genuinely impressive. And he did it without ever seeking the spotlight.

"He kept his head down, put in the work, and let his performances on the pitch do the talking rather than his words off it.

"In an era where a lot of young players chase attention, there's something refreshing - and honestly, easy to respect, about a player who lets his football speak for him."

It doesn't sound like Tottenham would have anything to really worry about if they sign Baturina this summer then, as he would have an ideal coach in De Zerbi to maximise his talent, and isn't described as the sort to get caught up in his own hype.