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Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi strangely suggested he would be ‘the best coach in Italy’ after his team drew 0-0 at home against Everton on Saturday, while a Sky Sports pundit revealed which aspect of their poor form is a ‘disgrace’.

Tottenham backed De Zerbi heavily in the summer transfer window, spending over £330million and breaking their transfer record twice. Mateus Fernandes joined in a club-record £85m deal before the transfer was eclipsed by the £100m capture of Sandro Tonali.

Despite a plethora of big signings, Spurs have started the new campaign poorly.

The goalless draw with Everton saw Spurs go four league matches without a win or even a goal.

De Zerbi is expected to turn things around and fire Spurs up the Premier League table as he is a highly rated coach with a great squad at his disposal.

But concern is growing among supporters after consecutive 17th-placed finishes in the last two seasons.

In his post-match press conference (via HaytersTV), De Zerbi hit back at criticism by saying: “In Italy, for example, now, I should be the best coach, no?

“Two games, two clean sheets, or no? Tomorrow, what do you write? Clean sheet or no goals?”

De Zerbi added: “I came last season when the s*** was like this [high]. S***, I repeat.

“I’ve always been, not positive, but realistic.

“Now, I explain. I’m sorry for the results but it’s not immediately the improvement to make a team.

“Today, we played as a team. We didn’t score, we didn’t win, but today, and [against] Nottingham [Forest], I think we played as a team.”

On Sky Sports, Ashley Young labelled Spurs’ lack of attacking output a ‘disgrace’.

Tottenham attackers ‘not good enough’

“As professionals you’re going to look at that, six hours and we’ve not scored a goal? It’s a disgrace,” he said.

“It’s not good enough at all and there needs to be a big conversation amongst the players.

“The players need to talk and say, ‘We need to take this on ourselves. We’ve brought in players and we’re just not scoring goals, we’re not creating chances and we’re not looking like a team that’s going to score’.”

Tottenham Hotspur have entered the race for Sunderland winger target Geny Catamo, according to a report.

Tottenham’s summer overhaul included the capture of two new wingers, as Savio and Mykhailo Mudryk both arrived in N17. Spurs paid Manchester City an initial £75million for Savio, and the transfer could eventually be worth £85m through add-ons.

Spurs turned to Chelsea outcast Mudryk after failing to sign key target Cody Gakpo from Liverpool.

Mudryk has returned to Premier League action after his doping case was resolved on July 31. Roberto De Zerbi convinced Spurs to sign the Ukrainian on loan, having previously worked with him at Shakhtar Donetsk.

Spurs have the option to sign Mudryk permanently for £75m at the end of the season, though he would have to play extremely well to convince them to pay such a high fee.

Despite the summer additions of Savio and Mudryk, Sporting CP wide man Catamo has emerged as a January target for Spurs, according to Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sport Witness).

Spurs have expressed interest in the 25-year-old right winger and are monitoring his form with a view to making a January move.

The race to sign Catamo is getting busy, as Sunderland continue to show interest in him after failing with talks over the summer, while clubs in Saudi Arabia are also in the mix.

Plus, the report adds that Como have contacted Sporting to make ‘preliminary enquiries’ about Catamo’s availability.

We revealed on August 6 that Sunderland were in pole position to sign the Mozambique international after accelerating talks with his camp.

Tottenham, Sunderland both keen on Geny Catamo

However, despite holding negotiations with Sporting, Sunderland ultimately could not strike an agreement for the player, and he remained in Portugal.

If Record are to be believed, then Sunderland are now facing competition from Spurs for Catamo’s signing.

Whether Spurs are actually aiming to bring in a third winger in a matter of months remains to be seen. Catamo likes to play on the right flank, a position Savio is very comfortable in.

Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski can operate there too when fit. Kudus is working his way back to full fitness, while Kulusevski has returned to training as he looks to make his long-awaited return in the coming months.

De Zerbi, meanwhile, is under pressure after Spurs went four league matches without a win or even a goal.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ruling out parting ways with head coach Roberto De Zerbi at this stage, and there will be “no knee-jerk reactions”.

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Tottenham spent over £300m on signings in the summer and there was optimism that they could have a much better campaign this time around.

However, there has been a hangover from last season, with De Zerbi‘s side currently winless in four Premier League games as they sit just above the relegation zone on two points.

On Saturday night, Spurs were held to a disappointing 0-0 home draw against Everton, and they were met with boos from supporters at the final whistle. There has also already been talk of De Zerbi potentially getting sacked.

Tottenham’s start is concerning, but it was always going to take time for De Zerbi to get them playing to their best following a massive overhaul in the summer. He is also still without several key players.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider that Tottenham have decided to back De Zerbi, who is confident he can turn around their season if given time.

Tottenham stance on sacking Roberto De Zerbi revealed

O’Rourke told Football Insider: “Look, no manager in the Premier League can go on for too long with a losing start to the new season.

“That’s the job, this game is based on getting results and Roberto De Zerbi will be fully aware of that. Two points from four games is not good enough.

“He’s definitely got time on his side, De Zerbi, for what he did last year when he came in and rescued the club and made sure they didn’t suffer the ignominy of Premier League relegation.

“It will take time for these new players to bed in and get used to their new surroundings and to perform to their highest level as well.

“So De Zerbi is confident that he can turn things around at Spurs and he believes he does have the support and the backing of the Tottenham board as things stand.

“There’ll be no knee-jerk reactions at Tottenham. The club are fully behind De Zerbi and they see him as the man to get things right.”

After the Everton game, De Zerbi claimed that his side is currently suffering from a “mental block” after last season.

De Zerbi told reporters: “There is a word in Italian – sbloccarsi – that literally translates as if we unblock ourselves.

“[It is] a mental block because four games, no wins, no goals scored … it is tough for the players. The team is extremely strong, we can score goals and we can win games. And then we have to respect the history of the players in their careers.

“Forget Dominic Solanke and Marmoush – the other players … they didn’t score many, many goals in their careers and we have to find these goals. I think we can do so with the quality of our play.”

Tottenham and Everton are still exploring a loan for Richarlison after permanent talks stalled, while the Toffees have agreed a deal to sign a former Arsenal star.

Sources say a temporary switch remains possible, but any deal will rest on who pays the Brazil forward’s wages.

Everton are already carrying a heavy salary commitment for Jack Grealish and are unwilling to take on another large wage bill before the deadline.

That would almost certainly require Tottenham to cover a decent portion of Richarlison’s pay packet, understood to be around £90,000 a week.

A permanent move has been further complicated by unresolved legacy payments the player believes he is still owed by Spurs.

Those contractual issues have already delayed negotiations over a potential deal in the region of £25 million plus add-ons and continue to stand in the way of a clean sale.

Despite the difficulties, Richarlison remains keen to return to Everton, the club where he became a cult hero.

In social media posts over the weekend he made clear he would go back to his “beloved club” if the two sides reached an agreement, while insisting that no one else would decide his future.

Roberto De Zerbi omitted the 29-year-old from the squad for Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle after the striker had asked to leave “too many times”. With the window closing on Tuesday night, time is short.

A loan in which Tottenham subsidise wages offers the most realistic route for both clubs before the deadline, provided the legacy-payment dispute can be set aside or settled separately.

Richarlison still has a year left on his contract, plus a club option, giving Spurs leverage.

Whether a compromise can be struck in the coming hours will decide if the popular forward ends his mixed four-year spell in north London with a return to Merseyside.

Everton agree Ainsley Maitland-Niles signing

In other news, Everton have struck an agreement worth £4.2m for the signing of former Arsenal star, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who currently plays for Lyon.

The 28-year-old can play at right-back or in midfield, and his arrival comes at a time when Kenny Tete’s proposed move from Fulham is expected to fall through.

Maitland-Niles would serve as the de facto replacement for Nathan Patterson who’s been sold to Torin.

Manchester City have agreed terms with Everton to sign Iliman Ndiaye, with sources confirming to TEAMtalk that the deal is now done, as Tottenham Hotspur suffer a crushing blow.

The Senegal international winger had been in talks with Tottenham, but Man City made a late and decisive move for the 26-year-old after failing to reach an agreement for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo.

Sources have told us that Man City have struck a £65million deal with Everton for Ndiaye, who has also agreed terms with the Premier League giants.

Ndiaye is now set to undergo his medical in the North West rather than North London, with the formalities of his move to Man City expected to follow.

Everton had been progressing talks with Tottenham, but those discussions were paused when Man City made fresh contact.

Iliman Ndiaye wanted Man City over Tottenham

We can reveal that once Ndiaye became aware of Man City’s renewed interest, he made it clear to Everton that he wanted to join Enzo Maresca’s side ahead of Spurs.

Man City, for their part, insist that Ndiaye remained firmly on their radar throughout the summer transfer window, and they have now moved quickly to secure his signing.

The deal is separate to Jack Grealish’s proposed move to Everton, although the England international is set to head in the opposite direction.

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Tottenham now target Mykhailo Mudryk

The Ndiaye agreement represents a significant blow for Tottenham, who had been working on the Senegalese star and appeared to be making progress before Man City’s intervention.

Spurs have now moved quickly onto alternatives, with TEAMtalk understanding that they are exploring a loan deal for Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk.

Tottenham are also in talks over a permanent move for Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who could replace Kevin Danso should the defender complete his proposed move to Sunderland.

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is keen on a move to Tottenham Hotspur and working with Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi, according to a reliable journalist, as Richalison drops a strongly-worded statement on returning to Everton.

Tottenham are on the hunt for a new winger and are keen on a deal for Iliman Ndiaye.

However, Manchester City are also trying to sign Ndiaye from Everton before the summer transfer window closes on Tuesday.

Tottenham are not putting all their eggs in one basket and are now trying to sign Mudryk from London rivals Chelsea.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reported on August 21 that Chelsea are willing to send Mudryk on loan this season.

However, the Blues want the Ukrainian winger to join a club where he would play regularly.

We understand that Leeds United have had a loan offer for Mudryk already rejected.

Leeds, though, remain in talks, but now Tottenham have joined the race for the 25-year-old.

Tottenham manager De Zerbi worked with Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk and rates the Chelsea winger highly.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has reported that Mudryk himself is keen on a move to Tottenham after learning that Spurs have made an offer to sign him on loan from Chelsea.

According to the reliable talkSPORT transfer reporter, the winger is closing in on a move to Spurs.

Jacobs wrote on X at 6:34pm on August 31: “BREAKING: Spurs make a loan offer to sign Mykhailo Mudryk, who played under Roberto De Zerbi at Shakhtar.

“Talks underway with the player keen on the move.

“Leeds have been trying for almost two weeks but still no breakthrough.

“Sunderland, Brentford and Coventry have also considered moves.

“As reported earlier, Mudryk wants to stay in the Premier League.”

Jacobs added at 6:39pm: “Mudryk giving total priority to Spurs.

“Told he has informed Chelsea he wants the move.”

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also reported that Mudryk wants to join Tottenham.

Romano posted on X at 7:08pm on August 31: “BREAKING: Mykhaylo Mudryk says yes to Tottenham move as he wants to work under Roberto De Zerbi again.

“Mudryk puts Leeds and all other options on hold as he wants Spurs.

“Discussions well underway with #CFC over loan deal.”

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Richarlison issues Tottenham statement

As Tottenham close in on a deal for Mudryk, the north London club have found out that they will find it hard to move on Richarlison.

Everton and Tottenham have been in talks over a deal for Richarlison to return to the Toffees.

However, the Brazilian forward has issued a lengthy statement claiming that he will not be forced into making a decision that does not suit him.

Richarlison posted on his Instagram story on Monday evening: “After everything I’ve been through in the last few years, I’ve decided that NEVER AGAIN will anyone decide my future for me.

“I went through a lot of bad things, and almost all of them happened because decisions were made by other people.

“Pressure, threats, retaliation – none of that scares me.

“I’ve been through far worse, believe me.

“I’ve always made it clear, every time I had the chance, that leaving for another club would only happen if it was also good for the club.

“If it wasn’t, I would never accept it… just like I didn’t accept it when everything was going badly and they needed me.

“I stayed and gave everything.

“So I hope they treat my situation with the same respect I’ve always shown Spurs and everyone who worked with me during this period.

“Just don’t try to decide for me.”

The forward then added: “If they reach an agreement between Spurs and Everton, I will return to my beloved club.

“My intention was to go back to the place where I was very happy, yes, but the negotiations happened only in the way certain people wanted, and it will no longer be like that.

“Despite all this turmoil, I am under contract at Spurs and will remain at the club’s disposal.”

Newcastle United have rekindled their interest in Joao Palhinha after Aston Villa’s attempt to sign the Bayern Munich midfielder on loan was rejected, TEAMtalk can confirm.

Palhinha, 31, has been told by Bayern that he has no future at the club after returning from his loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur, where the Portugal international played a key role in keeping Roberto De Zerbi’s team in the Premier League last season.

Indeed, the experienced campaigner scored the winner for Tottenham in their last day of the season win over Everton, with Palhinha describing the act as “one of the most important days in my career”.

Spurs ultimately chose to pursue Newcastle‘s Sandro Tonali instead of Palhinha, with the Italian midfielder signing on a deal worth up to £100million. But interest in the Portugal international has remained, and he was open to joining Villa this summer.

However, Villa‘s proposal was based on a loan with an option to buy, and TEAMtalk understands Bayern have made it clear that they want a permanent transfer for the former Fulham man who cost them £47.4m.

That has reopened the door for Newcastle, who are prepared to consider a permanent deal if they can reach an agreement with both Bayern and the player.

TEAMtalk understands that while Villa’s proposed loan move is currently off the table, they could yet return to talks if the structure of a deal can be changed to satisfy Bayern’s preference for a permanent transfer.

Newcastle try to salvage summer window

Incidentally, this summer has been a disastrous one for Newcastle. In addition to selling star winger Anthony Gordon and midfield engine Tonali, captain Bruno Guimaraes joined Arsenal earlier in August.

That was soon followed by Eddie Howe departing the club, leading to the swift capture of Matthias Jaissle from Al-Ahli. Newcastle need to use these transfer proceeds on quality replacements but so far that has, arguably, not been the case.

Newcastle had shown an interest in Palhinha before Villa entered the picture but switched their focus to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, only for the former Tottenham midfielder and Marseille star to reject the chance to move to St James’ Park.

The Magpies have invested heavily in younger players during the summer but remain keen to add experience to their midfield, and Palhinha fits that requirement.

His ball-winning ability and Premier League experience make him an attractive option for Jaissle, while Newcastle also know what the Portuguese can bring from his previous spell at Fulham.

Palhinha is now weighing up his options and a return to England does appeal to him, but there is also interest from his former Fulham boss Marco Silva, now in charge of Benfica. Silva would be keen to reunite with the midfielder in Portugal, meaning Newcastle are not alone in the race.

For now, though, the rejection of Villa’s loan proposal has given the Magpies another opportunity to pursue a player they had already considered earlier in the summer.

Newcastle are now assessing whether they can make a permanent deal work, while Villa could yet re-enter the picture if they can find a structure acceptable to Bayern.

Tottenham are pushing to complete a £130m double deal that will revolutionise their forward line, though Victor Osimhen is NOT likely to be part of the changes.

Spurs have already revamped large parts of their squad, with a new goalkeeper (Martin Dubravka), three defenders (Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, and two midfielders (Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes) already signed.

It’s the attacking ranks that will be overhauled next, with Spurs seeking to finalise two big-money moves.

Tottenham’s interest in Savinho and Cody Gakpo is no secret, with transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, revealing the latest he’s been hearing on Thursday.

“More movements are expected at Tottenham in the next days, because don’t forget their top targets remain two players: one is Cody Gakpo, the other one is Savinho,” he said.

“On the wings, they are working on these two deals. No negotiations for Folarin Balogun.

“I know there have been many reports in the last 24 hours, but Tottenham are not working on a Balogun deal.

“The two top targets [for] wingers remain Cody Gakpo and Savinho. [The] alternative is Pedro Neto, who is very expensive.”

Both of Savinho and Gakpo want to join Spurs before the summer window slams shut. The former has already agreed personal terms with Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

Regarding cost, Manchester City want around £60m for Savinho, while Liverpool value Gakpo at a loftier £70m. The Reds are expected to greenlight Gakpo’s sale if successful in their attempts to sign Bradley Barcola.

However, Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen, is a player who’s been heavily linked with a switch to either Tottenham or Arsenal in the past 24 hours.

The Telegraph confirmed talks have been held regarding a potential switch to the Emirates, and those discussions arose due to Galatasaray’s interest in Gabriel Martinelli, which has since come to nothing after the Brazilian rejected the Turkish giants.

Spurs are also interested in striking a deal for Osimhen who has scored 107 goals from 145 appearances across all competitions over the past four seasons

But according to trusted reporter, Ben Jacobs, the likeliest outcome when all is said and done is Osimhen remains at Galatasaray.

Why Tottenham WONT sign Victor Osimhen

Explaining why when speaking on talkSPORT: Jacobs said: “I think there’s a fair chance at the end of this that Victor Osimhen actually stays, even though the Tottenham links are part of their wider search for a forward.

“My information there is Cody Gakpo and Savinho for Spurs, if they can possibly pull those two off.

“Wages still a bit of an issue for Osimhen even though Tottenham are showing they’re prepared to break their wage structure.

“So yes Tottenham want a No 9 (striker), but nothing advanced yet with Osimhen.”

After noting Arsenal are essentially in the same situation as Tottenham regarding Osimhen, Jacobs went on to add: “If reports are to be believed, Galatasaray have already turned down a very lucrative bid from Al Hilal, for far more than Arsenal [and Spurs] are prepared to pay.

“So I sense there’s a bit of games here.”

Victor Osimhen remains a frequent topic of discussion among Premier League clubs this summer, though concrete progress towards a transfer has yet to materialise, we can confirm.

Sources indicate that Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have all held internal talks about the possibility of signing the Nigerian striker from Galatasaray. However, no formal bids or advanced negotiations have taken place, leaving any potential move still some distance away.

The 27-year-old is understood to be keen on a switch to English football, having long harboured ambitions of testing himself in the Premier League.

His prolific form in Turkey, where he has again established himself as one of Europe’s most clinical finishers, continues to attract admirers. Yet significant obstacles stand in the way.

Osimhen’s substantial wage demands represent a major hurdle for any interested club.

His current package at Galatasaray, boosted by favourable tax arrangements in Turkey, is among the highest in the Super Lig and would require a considerable uplift or careful restructuring to fit Premier League salary structures.

It was his salary demands that killed a move to Chelsea a couple of years ago.

Equally challenging is Galatasaray’s stance. The Turkish champions are not actively looking to sell their star forward and would demand a substantial transfer fee should any serious approach materialise.

Sources suggest they have already rejected a sizeable offer from Saudi side Al-Hilal in recent days, underlining their reluctance to part with the player whose contract runs until 2029.

Man Utd cool Victor Osimhen interest

While Arsenal’s recent discussions with Galatasaray over other business have included Osimhen’s name, and Tottenham continue to monitor the situation, Manchester United appear to have cooled their interest due to the overall financial outlay required.

It’s also common for other players to come up in discussions, so for Arsenal this was nothing out of the ordinary.

For now, the Nigerian international looks set to remain in Istanbul unless a club is prepared to meet both the high asking price and his salary expectations.

Premier League sides may continue to assess the situation, but a breakthrough appears unlikely in the immediate term as the transfer window progresses.

Meanwhile, we can also provide the latest on fellow Arsenal striker target Julian Alvarez.

Nottingham Forest want to sign Dominic Solanke from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window, according to a journalist, who has claimed that the striker will leave Roberto De Zerbi’s side this summer.

Solanke has been on the books of Tottenham since the summer of 2024, when he joined from Bournemouth.

Tottenham paid an initial fee of £55million for Solanke, with a further £10m in add-ons.

The 28-year-old’s spell at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been largely underwhelming, with the striker also having injury issues.

Solanke scored only three goals in 11 Premier League starts for Tottenham last season.

During the 2024/25 campaign, the England international striker scored nine goals in 25 Premier League starts for Spurs.

It has now emerged that Solanke’s days at Tottenham are numbered.

According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Nottingham Forest, whose owner Evangelos Marinakis appointed Oliver Glasner as the first-team manager last month, want to sign Solanke from Tottenham in the summer transfer window.

Longari, who has over 131,000 followers on X, has also said that the striker will leave Spurs.

The journalist wrote on X at 1:29pm on August 7: “Eye-catching

“Nottingham Forest #NFFC are keeping a close eye on the profile of Dominic Solanke, a striker leaving Tottenham.”

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Micky van de Ven to stay at Tottenham – sources

While Solanke is set to leave Tottenham, Micky van de Ven will stay at the north London club.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has reported that Van de Ven has agreed on a new five-year contract with Tottenham.

Sources have told us that Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has played a crucial role in convincing Van de Ven to extend his stay at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Bailey said: “Sources say Van de Ven has been one of the biggest believers in De Zerbi’s project after holding a number of conversations with the new head coach over the summer.

“TEAMtalk also understands that, with Argentine defender Cristian Romero expected to leave Tottenham in the coming days – most likely for Atletico Madrid – Van de Ven has held discussions with De Zerbi about taking on the captaincy.

“While no final decision has been made, the Netherlands international centre-back is understood to be one of the leading candidates to inherit the armband as the club enters a new era.”