TEAMtalk

Tottenham Hotspur have been told that Portuguese giants Benfica will accept nothing less than €80million (£68m / $91m) for a top attacking target who made a major impression at this summer’s World Cup.

Spurs have made early contact with Benfica over a possible summer transfer for highly-rated winger Andreas Schjelderup, sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk.

Tottenham are very keen to strengthen that side of their squad and see the talented Norwegian as a player who could add pace, creativity and end product to their attacking play.

The 22-year-old took his fine form from last season into the World Cup with some standout displays for Norway, scoring with a stunning strike against England in the quarter-finals and also providing four assists.

This has sparked interest from several clubs across Europe, yet Benfica are refusing to be rushed into any deal.

Indeed, sources close to the Portuguese club have made it clear they do not feel under any pressure to sell for less than €80million (£68m / $91m) and will drive a hard bargain.

Benfica sources say they believe Schjelderup possesses the quality and potential to become every bit as effective as Anthony Gordon, who recently joined Barcelona for a comparable fee.

They view the young attacker as a long-term asset capable of developing into one of Europe’s top talents, provided he is given the right environment to flourish. Therefore, they are putting a price on him that represents market value for a player of his age and quality.

DON’T MISS: Tottenham target TWO surprise Kroupi alternatives after reaching major decision on £85m signing

Schjelderup pushing for Prem move amid Tottenham talks

We can reveal that talks between Tottenham and Benfica remain at a very early stage, with no formal offer yet submitted – that’s despite the north London club still pursuing a £60m move for Manchester City star Savinho.

Schjelderup himself is understood to be very open to a move to the Premier League after rejecting the chance to sign a new contract extension at the Estadio da Luz.

His current deal runs until 2028, giving Benfica some room to negotiate, but they are in the peak time to sell him as he reaches the last 18 months of his deal.

While Liverpool and Chelsea have also been linked with the player in recent days and do hold confirmed interest, Spurs’ proactive approach could give them an advantage if they move quickly.

Benfica are prepared to cash in on their star man this summer but will only do so at a price that reflects his rising value and bright future in the game.

Schjelderup’s versatility across the forward line makes him a highly attractive proposition for De Zerbi, who is keen to add more quality in the forward areas of his side and finally find a replacement for club legend Son Heung-min.

Meanwhile, we can also reveal that interest in Tottenham striker Richarlison has intensified in recent weeks, with multiple clubs expressing a desire to sign the talented Brazilian, and TEAMtalk able to provide the player’s preference over his next destination.

Tottenham Hotspur remain determined to test Bournemouth’s resolve over Eli Junior Kroupi despite the Cherries’ insistence that the teenage sensation is not for sale, with TEAMtalk able to reveal two alternatives being lined up.

Spurs have identified Kroupi as one of their leading attacking targets as Roberto De Zerbi continues reshaping his squad ahead of the new season, and sources have told us the prospect of working under the Italian is one that genuinely appeals to the France youth international.

However, Tottenham are also realistic about the difficulty of striking a deal.

Bournemouth have consistently maintained they do not want to lose Kroupi and continue to value him at a figure that would make him one of the most expensive young forwards in Europe.

Indeed, it’s thought that figure is in the region of £85million (€100m / $114m) – a fee that has now put Barcelona off making a move for the talented forward.

With that in mind, TEAMtalk can reveal Spurs have intensified work on alternative options should Bournemouth refuse to soften their stance.

That hunt for another frontman is particularly prevalent, given my colleague Fraser Fletcher’s recent report on the future of Spurs star Richarlison.

DON’T MISS: Tottenham ready Micky van de Ven contract talks with club confident of repeat outcome

Two surprise names emerge on Tottenham radar

Among those names now emerging on the club’s radar is Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani.

The Kosovo international enjoyed an outstanding breakthrough Bundesliga campaign, reaching double figures in goals during his first full season in Germany’s top flight and establishing himself as one of Europe’s most highly-rated young forwards.

Asllani’s performances have not gone unnoticed.

Barcelona have tracked him for some time, while RB Leipzig have recently held talks with his representatives as they assess their own attacking options.

We understand Tottenham have also made enquiries in recent weeks and are keeping a close watch on the situation.

Another player under consideration is Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi.

The Germany youth international enjoyed an impressive debut season in Belgium after joining from Hannover last summer, scoring 19 goals and quickly attracting attention from across Europe.

Our sources have informed us that Spurs have carried out background work on Tresoldi alongside several other clubs.

Roma, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal have all made enquiries about the 21-year-old over the course of the year, with his rapid development making him one of the continent’s most sought-after young forwards.

Despite exploring alternatives, Kroupi remains Tottenham’s preferred option.

Sources insist Spurs have not cooled their interest and remain hopeful they can persuade Bournemouth to negotiate before the transfer window closes.

Whether that proves possible remains to be seen, but with Asllani and Tresoldi now firmly on their shortlist, Tottenham are ensuring they have strong contingency plans in place should their pursuit of Kroupi ultimately come to an end.

Newcastle United are plotting a double raid on Tottenham Hotspur, and a Sandro Tonali revenge mission to boot, as they look to snatch two top stars from the north London outfit in a deal that could cost as much as £90million (€106m / $121m).

Spurs sealed their record £100m capture of Italy international Tonali earlier this month, having had their initial offer rejected as St James’ Park chiefs tried to convince the midfielder to stay.

Ultimately, Tonali revealed the opportunity to work with Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi was a big factor behind him heading to north London – although Newcastle did make a tasty £45m profit to ease the pain of that exit.

However, the Magpies are now plotting a double revenge raid on Spurs, as they plot moves for wantaway midfielder Lucas Bergvall and England full-back Djed Spence.

As TEAMtalk previously revealed, Nottingham Forest have already had a £38m offer for Bergvall knocked back, with Tottenham wanting £50m for the Sweden international, who is pushing for an exit after De Zerbi added Tonali and Mateus Fernandes to his midfield engine room.

While the writing appears to be on the wall for the talented Bergvall, Spurs remain reluctant to part ways unless they recoup a figure nearer to that £50m price point.

Bergvall has largely flattered to deceive at Tottenham, scoring just two goals and adding nine assists in 78 games for the club. To that end, recouping nearer to £50m for a player they paid £8.5m for back in 2024 must be considered something of a win.

From Newcastle‘s perspective, they need more bodies in Eddie Howe’s midfield after Tonali’s exit, along with skipper Bruno Guimaraes also pushing to leave.

They have added 18-year-old Ajax prodigy Sean Steur in a £23m deal, but still hope to beat Forest to the capture of Bergvall this summer.

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Newacstle also pushing for Spence deal

Bergvall is not the only Tottenham player on Newcastle’s radar, though, with our sources previously revealing that Howe is pushing to get Spence on board too.

The 25-year-old was one of the surprise packages of England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals, which ultimately ended with the Three Lions securing a third-placed finish after a stunning 6-4 win over France on Saturday.

Spence’s ability to play on either flank makes him an attractive proposition for suitors this summer, especially given that De Zerbi appears to be ready to sanction an exit for the player.

It is understood that Newcastle remain in the market for a full-back after losing Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett.

Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have little competition for a first-team spot next season, while both players have also been subject of interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United.

Prior to the World Cup, it was reported that Spurs were looking to recoup around £25m for Spence, but his performances in North America have now seen that price rocket to nearer to £40m.

To that end, Newcastle are facing the prospect of paying the best part of £90m (€106m / $121m) to snap up the pair, which would probably be deemed as a boon for Tottenham in an inflated market – although there’s no denying that it would give Howe two incredibly talented players who have yet to fulfill their potential.

Tottenham Hotspur have been told by a Croatian football expert that a national team midfielder has been “well prepared” to move to the north London club.

Spurs continue to be linked with some midfielders despite splashing £185million on two players in the position this summer. Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali have both joined and are expected to play together.

But more attack-minded midfielders such as Martin Baturina have also been linked with Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

Croatian football expert Daniela Rogulj has backed the 23-year-old to succeed if he heads to Tottenham.

She told Tottenham News: “On paper, it makes a lot of sense. [Roberto] 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.”

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Baturina price known

Spurs are not the only club linked with Baturina this summer, with Manchester United – who have also already signed some midfield stars – and Aston Villa among the others.

Como evidently don’t want to let their star go, though, and have reportedly set an €80million (£69m) price for him.

That comes after enquiries made by both Tottenham and Villa for the Croatian.

Whether or not Spurs would look to make a bid in that region remains to be seen.

They have already spent nearly £230million this summer, and are continuing to press on with more signings, with the move for Manchester City winger Savinho not believed to be far away.

As such, it might potentially be tough for them to finance a deal for Baturina.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly undeterred when it comes to their interest in a top World Cup attacking talent, who is on the club’s radar as an alternative if they do not seal a deal for Savinho.

The Manchester City star remains the club’s top option to fill their problematic left-wing spot, a position they failed to fix after the departure of club legend Son Heung-min last summer.

The likes of Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel and Xavi Simons all failed to convince on the left side of Tottenham‘s attack, although it was never really the latter’s best position as he flourished more centrally before suffering an ACL injury.

Richarlison and loanee Randal Kolo Muani were also tried out there to little success and it remains one of two positions Spurs have yet to fix after a busy summer window to date.

Upgrading the defence and midfield has been firmly ticked off, but landing a left-winger and new No.9 remain major priorities before the window shuts on September 1.

Another player being tipped to fill that void left by Son’s exit is Norway World Cup sensation Andreas Schjelderup, who currently plays his football in Portugal with Benfica.

The 22-year-old made a big impression in North America, notching four assists and scoring with a stunning cross-shot against England in the quarter-finals.

And Football Insider‘s Pete O’Rourke has confirmed Tottenham’s interest in the talented attacker, revealing: “Schjelderup’s World Cup performances have caught the eye of some of the biggest clubs across Europe, including multiple Premier League clubs.

“I know Tottenham have shown an interest and are in the market for a new left-sided winger or forward, so Schjelderup definitely ticks a lot of boxes for them in that respect, as that is where he plays for Norway and Benfica. He had a very good World Cup.”

DON’T MISS: Journalist reveals Harry Kane decision on joining Tottenham from Bayern Munich after World Cup exit

Schjelderup a cheaper Savinho alternative

While TEAMtalk sources have revealed that a £60million deal for Savinho is close to being signed off, the amount of time it’s taken to get the move over the line has to create some nagging concerns.

It could also be strongly argued that Schjelderup represents better value and has much stronger numbers to his name, albeit in a lesser league.

The Norwegian is set to be available for a fee in the region of £43m, although new Benfica boss Marco Silva is adamant that he wants the player to remain in Lisbon.

In 43 games last season, Schjelderup managed 10 goals and seven assists, with two of those goals coming in the Champions League and seven in the Portuguese league.

Savinho, on the other hand, managed just one goal in the Premier League last campaign and four in all competitions.

While Benfica are looking to tie Schjelderup to a new contract, it’s reported that he is open to leaving Portugal this summer and is keen to test himself in the Premier League.

That being said, the fact that Spurs have chased Savinho for as long as they – allied to his Premier League experience – suggests that the Brazilian is far more likely to be turning out for De Zerbi this coming season than the Benfica man.

Harry Kane has made up his mind on a return to Tottenham Hotspur from Bayern Munich, according to a German journalist.

On July 12, TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reported that Tottenham want to re-sign Kane from Bayern.

Kane is a Tottenham legend, scoring 280 goals and providing 63 assists in 435 matches in all competitions.

The England international has been a star at Bayern, too, since his move to the German giants in the summer of 2023.

Kane has scored 146 goals and registered 33 assists in 147 appearances for Bayern so far in his career.

The 32-year-old, who has won the Bundesliga title for the past two seasons, is out of contract at Bayern in the summer of 2027.

Sources have told Bailey that Bayern want Kane to sign a new deal and have been in talks with the England striker’s representatives for a while.

We also understand that Tottenham are keen on a return for Kane and work under manager Roberto De Zerbi.

Kane and his representatives are aware of interest from Tottenham, but, according to Bild journalist Christian Falk, the striker has no plans to return to the north London club, as he prepares to go on holiday after England’s 2026 World Cup came to an end following their third-place playoff win against France on Saturday.

DON’T MISS: Man Utd ‘in talks’ with Tottenham over English gem

Harry Kane will NOT join Tottenham from Bayern Munich

Falk wrote on his website, CFBayernInsider: “Bayern Munich will give Harry Kane some holiday time after England’s World Cup exit.

“Of course, now there will be extra time to take advantage of to start contract talks, and I hope this will happen soon, as we really want to keep Harry in the Bundesliga.

“What I’ve heard about the striker’s contract situation comes directly from the club, as Harry blocked any questions about his contract while he was concentrating fully on the Three Lions’ World Cup campaign.

“It was his last chance, I think, and I believe he was thinking the same thing, because when I looked at his face after the defeat to Argentina, when he was looking up at the fans in the stands, he seemed to be thinking, This could be the last time I’m here at the World Cup with a chance to actually win it.

“Now, he can focus on Bayern Munich again.

“Perhaps this showed him what he has at Bayern Munich.

“He will win titles in Bavaria, but of course he wants to win the Champions League – that’s the next big title he can win.

“And, crucially, it’s one he’s yet to win! Kane knows he has a big chance to win it if he stays with Bayern.

“As for reported interest from Real Madrid and Tottenham…

“Los Blancos have to make a new plan, which could take a year, perhaps even two.

“Perhaps they’ll be good enough next year under new manager Jose Mourinho, but they don’t know.

“At Bayern Munich, Harry Kane knows there’s a chance.

“Sorry, Tottenham. Harry wants to win the Champions League now. He can’t wait for Spurs to build towards something. He wants the big title.”

Fabrizio Romano has revealed whether or not Manchester United are planning to sell Amad Diallo in the summer transfer window, as the Red Devils’ co-owners, INEOS, open talks with Tottenham Hotspur over winger Tynan Thompson.

Diallo is one of the best wingers in the Premier League and is under contract at Man Utd until the summer of 2030, with the option to extend it by another year.

The 24-year-old Ivory Coast international, who played at the ongoing 2026 World Cup, scored two goals and gave four assists in 33 matches in all competitions for Man Utd last season.

Man Utd want to keep Amad Diallo

According to CaughtOffside, Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion want to sign Diallo from Man Utd in the summer transfer window.

AC Milan, too, are keen on the winger, with former Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim personally interested in a reunion with the attacker.

However, according to Romano, Man Utd have no plans whatsoever to sell Diallo in the summer transfer window.

The transfer guru wrote on X at 9:25pm on July 18: “Amad Diallo’s camp informed in June on Man United stance: no intention to sell this summer.

“Despite links with several clubs, #MUFC mantain they want to keep and trust Amad.”

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Man Utd and Tottenham ‘in talks’ over Tynan Thompson

While Man Utd have decided not to sell Diallo, the club’s co-owners, INEOS, are keen on adding more quality to their youth team and are in talks with Tottenham Hotspur over Tynan Thompson.

Thompson is an English left-winger who signed a professional contract with Tottenham in May 2025.

Although the 18-year-old has yet to make a senior debut for Tottenham, he was on the substitutes’ bench for two of the north London club’s Champions League matches last season.

The Secret Scout posted on X at 3:59pm on July 17: “EXCL: Manchester United looking to sign 18yr Tynan Thompson from Tottenham.

“Learnt of opportunity last week and plan to do medical before completing move.

“Hamburg are also interested in signing the talented winger. Man United want it done quickly.”

The London Evening Standard journalist, Sam Tabuteau, wrote on X at 11:12am on July 18: “Understand that Manchester United are in talks with Tottenham over a deal for Tynan Thompson.

“Club to club talks taking place over a fee.

“Thompson signed pro terms with Spurs in May 25 so any deal would be a formal transfer.”

Tottenham academy-focused X account, Lilywhite Rose, that has over 130,000 followers, noted at 9:57am on July 18: “Unfortunately, understand Tynan Thompson to Man United report is accurate.

“Tynan’s Spurs contract runs until 30 June 2027 so some sort of fee will have to be agreed between Manchester United and Spurs.

“Big loss for the academy.

“Tynan was outstanding over last 2 seasons.”

Man Utd express interest in Ben Nelson

According to The Daily Mail, Man Utd want to sign Ben Nelson from Leicester City in the summer transfer window.

Nelson has told Leicester that he wants to leave this summer, but the Foxes want £10million.

Torino and Borussia Monchengladbach have had offers for the 22-year-old central defender turned down already.

Man Utd and West Ham are said to have ‘expressed their interest’ in the 22-year-old Englishman.

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to open formal talks with Micky van de Ven over a new long-term contract after becoming increasingly confident they can convince the Dutch defender to commit his future to the club, TEAMtalk understands.

Van de Ven had made it clear to Spurs earlier this year that he was not interested in discussing fresh terms and had been targeting a move away this summer.

We reported in May that the Dutchman was leaning towards a move to Liverpool over Manchester United, while Spurs had set a huge asking price.

However, the landscape at Tottenham has changed dramatically following Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival.

The Italian masterminded Spurs’ dramatic Premier League survival before immediately overseeing one of the club’s most ambitious transfer windows in recent history.

Tottenham have already invested more than £225million on Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, while TEAMtalk understands a £60million move for Manchester City winger Savinho is close to being finalised.

The North London club are also actively searching for a new striker.

Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Spurs believe the transformation under De Zerbi has significantly altered Van de Ven’s thinking.

Indeed, there has already been encouraging communication with the player’s representatives during the summer, prompting the club to prepare formal negotiations over a new deal.

There is confidence internally that the Netherlands international can now be persuaded to remain in North London.

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Tottenham hope Micky van de Ven will follow teammate in changing his stance on leaving

Spurs have already seen one senior player change his stance following De Zerbi’s arrival.

TEAMtalk understands Pedro Porro was convinced by the Italian’s vision earlier this summer before committing himself to a new long-term contract, and the club believe Van de Ven could now follow the same path.

Tottenham’s confidence is further boosted by the leadership role they envisage for the 24-year-old.

TEAMtalk revealed earlier this week that Spurs are expecting Cristian Romero to leave before the transfer window closes, with Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid all monitoring the Argentina defender’s situation.

Should Romero depart, Van de Ven has emerged as one of the leading candidates to inherit the captain’s armband.

The Dutchman is hugely respected inside the dressing room and De Zerbi is understood to view him as one of the pillars around which he wants to build his new-look Tottenham side.

Convincing Van de Ven to stay has therefore become one of the club’s biggest priorities alongside completing further additions before the transfer deadline.

After months where his future looked destined to lie away from North London, Spurs now believe the combination of De Zerbi’s influence, major investment in the squad and the prospect of becoming club captain could be enough to secure one of the most important signatures of their summer.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are now only waiting for the final ‘green light’ for their next signing, while Lucas Bergvall is set to leave.

Since narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League, Tottenham have made a huge statement in this summer’s transfer window.

So far this summer, Roberto De Zerbi’s side are Europe’s biggest spenders, having splashed out to sign Sandro Tonali, Matheus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke. They have also recruited Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka on free transfers.

Tottenham’s recruitment drive is not stopping there, but they are also working on exits to raise funds for further business.

We have reported that they have set a realistic asking price for Cristian Romero to leave, while they are fielding interest for Richarlison to let him go.

And the north London outfit are also set for a significant windfall via Bergvall’s exit.

We have reported that they are demanding £50m for the midfielder after Nottingham Forest had an offer rejected, and Romano has now confirmed that he is “expected to leave” this summer.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Lucas Bergvall from Tottenham is expected to leave the club this summer. Bergvall told Tottenham that he wants to play on a regular basis, he’s ready to maybe take a different step.

“But leaving Tottenham this summer is something that he has to do, according to the player, because he wants to play. And at Tottenham, the feeling of the boy after signing Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali and they are not going to play European football, he doesn’t want to spend the season on bench or play ten minutes every two weeks.

“And so, for Bergvall, bid from Nottingham Forest and talks with Newcastle, both clubs are working for Lucas Bergvall. Both clubs are in contact, the highest proposal financially is from Nottingham Forest but Newcastle can offer a very competitive project and also ambitions, so there is a conversation ongoing with both clubs. Let’s see what Bergvall decides to do but for sure the situation of Lucas Bergvall is one to watch in the next days because he is expected to leave Tottenham Hotspur.”

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Fabrizio Romano issues major Savinho to Tottenham update

And Bergvall’s exit should contribute to Tottenham affording a move for long-term target Savinho from Man City.

We reported on Friday that Spurs are set to complete the Savinho signing after choosing to prefer him over AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, and Romano has now stated that only the final “green light” is in the way of this move.

Romano added: “On Tottenham in terms of incomings, I stand by my news. In May, June, July I maintain my information. Tottenham want Savinho. Tottenham will go for Savinho. There are negotiations ongoing club to club, Tottenham and Manchester City.

“Savinho is very keen on a move to Tottenham. Savinho was already prepared to go to Tottenham one year ago, they wanted him in summer 2025. It was an exclusive story, I remember, July 2025. Then the deal didn’t happen because City decided to keep Savinho, to offer him a new contract in September, but now Savinho wants to go to Tottenham and Tottenham are negotiating for Savinho with Man City.

“Then in order to get the green light for the move, Man City would need a replacement for Savinho, that’s the point. But Tottenham are working on the Savinho deal.

“Not today, not yesterday, but I told you in June and I stand by my information. Tottenham and Savinho, this remains the priority. This remains the topic and this remains the deal.”

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood has exclusively revealed why the club have transformed themselves from relegation fodder into top-four candidates on the wave of an incredible summer spree – and he insists Roberto De Zerbi is not done yet with more transfer business to come.

Successive 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League, the most recent seriously threatening the club’s near 50-year existence as a top-flight side, have shaken owners the Lewis family and ENIC into drastic transfer action.

After years of keeping a lid on their expenditure and signing players within their means, Tottenham Hotspur have this summer blown the lid off everything seen before in N17, and the club are now not just competing for the game’s top stars, but also beating big-spending rivals to their signatures.

Indeed, the £185m double deal for new midfield tandem – Mateus Fernandes (£85m from West Ham) and Sandro Tonali (£100m from Newcastle) – has seen Spurs shatter their transfer record not once, but twice already this summer.

Speaking exclusively to TEAMtalk, Sherwood thinks they will be a force to be reckoned with next season.

“Tottenham have opened things up now because of the Tonali signing, not because of the £100million, but because they’ve smashed the ceiling and their wage bill now. So it opens up a completely different level of player who will maybe consider Tottenham now, knowing that they are willing to spend,” Sherwood said in association with BetGoodwin.

As a result of their lavish spending, we asked the former Spurs boss where he sees them finishing the 2026/27 season.

He says, as “crazy” as it seems, he can see them competing for the Champions League places again next term.

“Tottenham can push for Champions League spots now. It sounds crazy saying that after the two seasons they’ve had, so it’ll be a huge jump.

“But De Zerbi knows full well that when he went in there and said, ‘Give me what I need,’ it looks like they’re doing that, and he’ll take us to where he believes we should be.”

Sherwood added: “When you’re the Tottenham manager, there is one objective: to finish in the top four. That’s a minimum requirement. For as long as I can remember, they will believe that they are on that path. I think with De Zerbi, he will believe that he’s got the tools and that he can produce that.”

DON’T MISS: Tottenham on verge of £65m winger signing with deal being ‘closed’

Tottenham told striker answer could lie within

Having strengthened in defence and midfield, De Zerbi is next expected to focus on his attack.

Manchester City winger Savinho has been heavily linked with a move to north London, while the Italian may feel he wants to add another striker option to his forward line, with the north London side only managing 48 goals in their 38 Premier League games last season.

However, Sherwood believes the answer to their issues could already lie within.

“Do they need a striker? Well, perhaps he might kick-start Dominic Solan;e, you just don’t know. You’ve got Richarlison as well. Whatever people think about Richarlison, he scored 11 goals in a really poor Tottenham team and helped them stay in the Premier League.

“I’m not saying he’s the answer, but I was crying out for him to play because I’ve seen him do it in that environment for Everton before and keep them in the league. I think he was a player who really stood up. I do think he might be moved on now, though.

“If there’s another striker out there, I will trust De Zerbi to go out there and find him, and he might be someone from left field. He’s shown that he likes the Danny Welbeck’s – a big nine, someone that holds the ball up. João Pedro was at Brighton; it will be someone with credentials like that.

“Solanke might be the answer, though you don’t know…”

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Tottenham transfers: Departures are needed

Asked who else Spurs could sign, Sherwood reckons they will certainly feel they have enough creativity now now and may now have to think about one or two departures.

“It’s hard to think about who else Spurs should sign because you just don’t know who they’ve got coming back to fitness. The likes of Dejan Kulusevski, that’ll be a big plus when he’s back. James Maddison was obviously back at the back end of the season, and Mohammed Kudus will be fit again. It’ll be interesting to see what they do with a few of the others.

“I mean, he can’t keep everyone. He’s got a huge squad there now, so he’s going to have to get rid of some centre-halves. That’s what he’s going to need to do because he’s brought in a lot. I think they’ve got seven first-team centre-halves there; some players are going to have to leave.”

Sherwood concluded: “But the good thing is with Tottenham and their transfers is that one man is making the decision now, and that man is De Zerbi.

“He’s a footballing man, so I think it warms the hearts of Tottenham fans, where before they didn’t really know who was bringing in these players. But this guy is actually putting his hand up and saying, ‘Yeah, it’s my decision.’ So that’s really key.”

With regard to potential exits, one man expected to leave once his World Cup commitments are over is Cristian Romero.

To that end, sources provided an update on his situation on Friday, revealing the tempting price that Spurs have now settled on to sell the Argentina international.

Another star tipped to move on is Djed Spence, and we revealed earlier this week that an Italian giant currently leads the race ahead of rival interest from two Premier League sides.

That’s despite a well-connected journalist explaining why a move to Liverpool actually now makes complete sense for the 13-cap England star.