TEAMtalk

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi would love to work with Jan Paul van Hecke at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, sources tell TEAMtalk, but Liverpool have made a move to sign the Brighton and Hove Albion defender.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Brighton face a growing battle to keep hold of their standout centre-back, Van Hecke.

The 25-year-old Netherlands international has emerged as one of the most sought-after defenders in the Premier League, with several top clubs expressing serious interest in his signature.

Van Hecke has been a rock at the heart of Brighton’s defence, earning praise for his composure on the ball, aerial prowess and leadership qualities.

Having joined the Seagulls from NAC Breda in 2020 for a modest fee, Van Hecke has developed into a key player.

The defender’s contract with Brighton runs until June 2027, but talks over a new deal have stalled.

Brighton have made several attempts to tie him down to improved terms, but the defender is understood to be eyeing the “next step” in his career at a higher level.

Liverpool have recently entered the fray, making initial contact with Van Hecke’s representatives.

The Premier League club’s manager, Arne Slot, is said to view the Netherlands international as an ideal addition to bolster the Reds’ backline.

Tottenham Hotspur are also stepping up their pursuit of the Brighton star.

Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi worked with Van Hecke at Brighton and is very keen on a reunion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

This personal connection could give Spurs a crucial edge in negotiations.

Not only that, but Van Hecke is close friends with Netherlands international teammate and Spurs centre back Micky van de Ven.

Landing Van Hecke would also potentially help Spurs keep hold of Van de Ven.

My colleague, Graeme Bailey, reported this week that Van Hecke would be open to working with De Zerbi at Tottenham.

However, if Tottenham get relegated from the Premier League, then the north London club will be out of the race for the Dutchman.

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Chelsea and Newcastle United target Jan Paul van Hecke

Meanwhile, Chelsea have shown growing interest in Van Hecke, with enquiries already made as the London club look to strengthen their defensive options.

However, sources have told us that Chelsea’s interest in Van Hecke is “very early”.

Newcastle United remain long-term admirers of the 25-year-old, having monitored the player across multiple windows and positioning themselves as strong contenders.

The Magpies, though, would not be ahead of other contenders as it stands, according to sources.

Brighton are braced for substantial bids, with reports suggesting a valuation in the region of £60million.

While Brighton would prefer to retain the Dutch star, interest from multiple Premier League rivals makes a departure increasingly likely.

Van Hecke’s performances this season have only heightened his appeal.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to battle Premier League rivals Aston Villa in the growing race to sign a highly-rated Serie A midfielder who will add much-needed physicality to their engine room this summer.

Spurs have had issues finding the right balance in their midfield throughout the season, specifically under Thomas Frank and then interim boss Igor Tudor, although that department has emerged with a little more credit since Roberto De Zerbi walked through the door.

The Joao Palhinha-Rodrigo Bentancur axis that looked too one-dimensional and lacking in athleticism under Frank earlier in the campaign, ran all over a very poor Aston Villa side at the weekend.

But with mixed reports on whether Tottenham will turn Palhinha’s loan into a permanent move, and Yves Bissouma also expected to move on, the club are expected to add stronger competition for the defensive midfield position.

And a fresh report from Italy claims that Parma midfielder Mandela Keita has emerged as a major option for De Zerbi ahead of the summer window.

The 23-year-old defensive midfielder has excelled during his time with the Serie A side, with his physicality and technical attributes tipped to make him a major success in English football.

Italian outlet TuttoAtalanta has detailed how Keita could ‘develop into a star for Tottenham with the right guidance’, and that the player would be a ‘quality long-term investment’.

DON’T MISS: Van de Ven transfer choice clear as Liverpool battle Man Utd and Tottenham’s wild asking price is revealed

Tottenham facing Villa battle for Parma standout

The report adds that the Parma star would also relish the chance to play in England and the opportunity to ‘test himself against top-class players’, assuming of course that Spurs manage to maintain their Premier League status.

Tottenham are not the only club showing interest on Keita, however, with the report also detailing interest from Aston Villa, with the two clubs ‘ready to launch a multi-million dollar international bidding war’ for the player.

Villa could be in need of their own midfield reinforcements, as they close in on Champions League football next season and the demands on Unai Emery’s squad that will bring.

As for Parma’s stance on selling, while they do not want to lose Keita, the Serie A will consider parting ways should they receive an attractive offer.

As to what sort of price tag Tottenham and Villa could be looking at, the TuttoAtalanta report does not specify, although Keita, who is under contract until 2029, is currently valued at just €18million (£15.5m / $21m) on Transfermarkt.

Celtic are braced for Premier League interest in Arne Engels and Benjamin Nygren, with sources telling TEAMtalk that Nottingham Forest plan to bid for the former and Tottenham Hotspur are keen on the latter.

As the race for the Scottish Premiership title whittles down to two clubs, Celtic are aware of significant interest in two of their standout midfield talents, Engels and Nygren.

Engels, a Belgium international, and Nygren, a Sweden international, have shone brightly at Parkhead, and their impressive form has alerted several clubs across Europe ahead of the summer transfer window.

A club-record signing for £11million, Engels remains a prime target for Nottingham Forest.

Sources have told us that Forest are expected to return with a renewed bid for Engels after seeing multiple offers, including a £25 million proposal, rejected in January.

Other interested parties include Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Lazio, with clubs from the Premier League, Serie A, and La Liga also monitoring the dynamic midfielder.

Sources say a summer departure now appears likely, potentially generating substantial funds for Celtic’s own transfer business.

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Tottenham target Benjamin Nygren – sources

Meanwhile, Nygren has enjoyed a stellar debut campaign, earning Celtic’s Player of the Year honours with 20 goals.

Sources confirm that several clubs are keen on the 24-year-old midfielder, who has operated in an attacking role as well as in a more conservative position for Celtic this season.

Tottenham Hotspur have been long-term admirers, viewing him as a cost-effective option, while Aston Villa, Brighton, Bournemouth, and Valencia have also shown interest.

Nygren is believed to favour a move to the Premier League, but Celtic hold a strong negotiating position with his contract running until 2029, with the option for another year.

Celtic’s hierarchy will view sales of one or both players as an opportunity to balance the books and fund squad rebuilding.

Engels and Nygren have formed an effective partnership, but big-money offers could prove too tempting to resist.

A combined haul potentially exceeding £50m would provide a significant war chest for the next campaign.

For the players, the summer represents a chance to test themselves at a higher level.

Engels has planned an exit, while Nygren’s goal-scoring exploits have elevated his profile.

Celtic fans will hope the club can retain at least one, but with elite sides circling, a double departure cannot be ruled out.

The coming weeks promise to be pivotal as negotiations intensify.

Manchester City star James Trafford tops Newcastle’s three-goalkeeper shortlist this summer as they seek a replacement for Nick Pope.

Both Pope and Aaron Ramsdale, who joined on loan from Southampton in the summer, have been guilty of high-profile errors this season having been swapped in and out of the team by manager Eddie Howe.

A groin injury has restricted Pope’s kicking – which has never been a strong point of his in any case – but he’s also made a number of individual errors.

Reports had claimed that Newcastle would look to make Ramsdale’s loan move permanent, but club bosses are concerned he lacks box presence when dealing with set pieces and crosses, and he’s also been accused of failing to make enough big saves.

The Newcastle chiefs have therefore decided that a new goalkeeper is ‘one of the their first priorities this summer’, according to The Telegraph.

Newcastle were convinced they had won the battle for Trafford last summer and the England international told friends he was moving to the North East after a £27m fee was agreed with Burnley, with Martin Dubravka moving to Turf Moor as part of the deal.

But Manchester City swooped to take advantage of a clause negotiated when they sold him to Burnley in 2023 and only had to match Newcastle’s bid to secure his signing.

Trafford thought he would be first choice at the Etihad, only for Gianluigi Donnarumma to join from Paris Saint-Germain and immediately usurp him in the pecking order.

The report claims Trafford is the ‘early favourite’ and Newcastle ‘have been led to believe he would like to join them’, but amid interest from Chelsea, Tottenham and Aston Villa in his services they ‘will not want to get into another bidding war’.

Two other confirmed Newcastle targets

Sources told TEAMtalk back in March that Newcastle were ready to rival Tottenham Hotspur for the signing of Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser and The Telegraph confirm that they retain an interest in the 21-year-old.

Standing at 6ft4in, Risser brings a commanding presence, quick reactions off his line, and solid distribution, making him an attractive long-term prospect.

Reports from the continent have claimed that Newcastle have already made contact to agree a fee with the Ligue 1 side, and while sources told The Telegraph that’s not the case, the Magpies do admit to ‘holding an interest in the player and have been watching him all season’.

His ability with the ball at his feet is thought to be a particularly attractive quality to the Newcastle bosses, as they feel they need that in order to evolve their game next season.

It’s thought that they could sign Risser and leave Pope as first choice at the start of next season to allow the understudy time to adjust to English football, though he could equally start the season as the new No.1 if he impresses sufficiently in pre-season.

The report claims there are unnamed alternatives on the shortlist but the third known target is Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen.

Like Trafford, the 23-year-old fits the profile Newcastle are after and would go straight into the first team; he’s also thought to be keen to explore his options for a summer move.

Verbruggen was at fault for the first Newcastle goal in the Magpies’ 3-1 win last weekend but Howe’s coaching staff have pointed out that his ‘passing range and accuracy in his distribution is integral to Brighton’s style of play’.

They’re also impressed with his command of the box and his shot-stopping ability, with the only sticking point thought to be his price tag.

Brighton are masters of ensuring they get the largest possible fees when selling their star players and it’s thought they could be asking for as much as £50m for the Netherlands international.

Micky van de Ven finds himself at a major crossroads of his career this summer as Manchester United and Liverpool weigh up big-money approaches, with sources explaining Tottenham Hotspur’s fluctuating value of the Dutch defender.

As the 25/26 Premier League season hurtles towards its conclusion, Tottenham centre-back Van de Ven has emerged as one of the most talked-about names in the transfer market.

The 25-year-old Netherlands international has stood out as a rare beacon of quality in a deeply troubled campaign for Spurs, who continue to fight against the threat of relegation. Sources have given TEAMtalk an update…

Liverpool are understood to be extremely keen on bringing Van de Ven to Anfield this summer, identifying him as a prime candidate to eventually succeed compatriot Virgil van Dijk and partner him next season. His explosive pace, composure on the ball, and commanding presence align perfectly with Arne Slot’s vision.

However, the Merseyside club are proceeding with caution due to the defender’s chequered injury record. Since joining Tottenham in 2023, van de Ven has battled recurring hamstring, thigh, and knee problems that have limited his availability at key moments.

Despite these concerns, a move to Liverpool would hold immense appeal for the player. A self-confessed Reds supporter with family connections to the club, Van de Ven would prioritise Anfield above most other destinations. Sources suggest he would choose Liverpool over rivals, including Manchester United, without hesitation if both clubs table formal offers.

United, meanwhile, have also registered a strong interest as they seek to reinforce their defensive options.

A switch to Old Trafford would be of genuine interest to Van de Ven, providing an opportunity to join a club in a positive moment and play under ambitious new leadership.

United view the left-footed Dutchman as an ideal profile to complement their backline, though they would likely face an uphill battle should Liverpool commit fully to the pursuit.

DON’T MISS: Micky van de Ven lays out jaw-dropping terms of Man Utd, Liverpool move as Tottenham exit looms

Tottenham’s fluctuating Van de Ven valuation explained

Tottenham’s valuation is expected to hover between £60 million and £90 million (€70m to €104m / $82m to $123m) depending on what league they end up in; a significant sum that reflects Van de Ven’s undoubted talent when fit.

His future appears inextricably linked to Spurs’ final league position.

Should the north London club slip into the Championship, an exit would seem almost certain. Even if they survive, the defender is likely to weigh up his long-term ambitions carefully under manager Roberto De Zerbi, who he is enjoying playing for and has made clear he wants to keep hold of the Dutch international.

But with the summer window looming, Van de Ven’s destiny could start a rebuild of two of the biggest clubs’ defences in the Premier League. Liverpool’s blend of admiration and ambition, coupled with United’s keenness, sets the stage for a potential battle royale.

However, there is one major player that cannot be forgotten: De Zerbi. If the Italian keeps Spurs up and can guarantee his top players that top-class talent will come in this summer, he may be able to keep hold of the player ahead of what looks like an increasingly important summer window for Tottenham Hotspur.

My colleague, Graeme Bailey, though, insists Spurs are preparing for the possibility of losing Van de Ven and are ready to ramp up their pursuit of a top Brighton star as a potential replacement.

Another name that Liverpool and Spurs are both weighing up is Marcos Senesi, who has confirmed he will leave Bournemouth as a free agent this summer.

Both sides are strongly linked with a move, and one of Fabrizio Romano’s sidekicks has revealed which side is now looking like the strongest candidate to sign him.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have all remained closely informed on Harry Kane’s situation over the past 12 months, but the clearest signal yet from the striker’s camp suggests a return to England is not imminent.

TEAMtalk understands that Kane is not only settled at Bayern Munich, but he is actively prepared to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena.

Sources indicate the England international striker is ready to agree terms on a new deal that would keep him at Bayern until at least 2028, aligning with his ambition to lead the Three Lions into a home European Championship.

The 32-year-old’s current contract runs through to 2027, but Bayern are keen to secure his long-term future sooner rather than later, ideally before the start of next season.

However, interest from England’s top clubs in Kane remains strong.

At Man Utd, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is known to be an admirer of the striker and would welcome the opportunity to bring Kane to Manchester United.

Meanwhile, sources have told us that Chelsea would be willing to bend their internal age policy for a player of his calibre.

Kane’s former club, Tottenham Hotspur, continue to hold out hope that their all-time leading scorer might one day return “home.”

Despite that, the current reality is clear: Kane is thriving in Germany, and any move back to England is firmly a matter for the future – not the present.

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Bayern Munich love Harry Kane – sources

Kane joined Bayern from Tottenham in the summer of 2023 and has been a huge success at the German giants.

The striker has been a key figure in Bayern’s back-to-back Bundesliga triumphs, with the former Spurs star also helping Vincent Kompany’s side reach the semi-finals of the Champions League this season.

We understand that Bayern view Kane as central to their project, both on and off the pitch.

Significantly, Kane has already passed up multiple opportunities to trigger release clauses within his existing deal – decisions that underline both his satisfaction at Bayern and his belief that his competitive ambitions are being fulfilled in the Bundesliga.

That said, a future Premier League return has not been ruled out entirely.

We can confirm Kane still harbours a long-term ambition to surpass Alan Shearer’s record of 260 goals.

However, sources stress that this is a career objective rather than an immediate priority.

Tottenham Hotspur are ready to step up their pursuit of Jan Paul van Hecke, TEAMtalk understands, despite strong interest from both Chelsea and Liverpool, who have made enquiries in recent weeks and are ready to invest.

The 25-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers over the past two seasons, and his development has not gone unnoticed across England’s elite.

However, Tottenham believe they may hold a key advantage. Roberto De Zerbi is keen to reunite with Van Hecke after their time together at Brighton & Hove Albion, and that connection could prove decisive.

Sources indicate Tottenham are preparing for significant change at the back, with uncertainty surrounding both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, regardless of how the season concludes.

Spurs internally admit that both Romero and Van de Ven are looking likely exits this summer.

Planning is already well advanced. Spurs have an agreement in principle for Marcos Senesi from AFC Bournemouth, as we revealed on April 17, while highly-rated Croatian talent Luka Vuskovic is due back following an impressive loan with Hamburg.

Even so, further reinforcements are being actively explored, and Van Hecke is viewed internally as one of the standout options to elevate the defensive unit.

There is also a broader recruitment strategy in mind. We understand Spurs would ideally like to pair Van Hecke with Bart Verbruggen if conditions allow.

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Tottenham transfers: Major changes coming this summer

Both players flourished under De Zerbi at Brighton, and sources suggest they would be open to a reunion with the Italian coach.

We confirmed on April 30 that current Spurs No 1, Guglielmo Vicario, has reached an agreement to return to Italy.

While Chelsea and Liverpool remain firmly in the frame for Van Hecke, Spurs’ connection through De Zerbi, alongside their expected defensive overhaul, could give them an edge – but Premier League survival is the first hurdle they must overcome to have any chance of landing him.

Richarlison could follow the likes of Romero, Van De Ven and Vicario out of north London this summer, as we reported last week that the striker’s sensational return to Everton is a genuine possibility.

A Tottenham insider has told the club to make a ‘big buy’ and land a 25-goal striker who he feels is ‘a player’ on the evidence of this season.

Spurs are in the stickiest situation they’ve ever been in in the Premier League. With three games to go, they’re just one point above the relegation places, having just climbed out when they beat Aston Villa in their last game.

They’re unlikely to have the biggest pulling power if they stay up, but Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi will need to sign some fresh talent to ensure this situation doesn’t happen again next season.

Responding to a fan on X, Paul O Keefe, who’s well informed on Spurs, said, ‘I agree they need to buy a CF. Needs to be a big buy too.’

When then asked who he’d opt for he said ‘[Igor] Thiago at Brentford,’ following up by stating ‘He’s a player.’

Thiago has bagged a total of 25 goals in his first proper season with the Bees, after spending much of his time in the last campaign sidelined, and 22 of those goals have come in the Premier League, making him the second top-scorer in the division, behind only Erling Haaland.

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Brentford prepare for future without Thiago

TEAMtalk is aware that Brentford are looking to other strikers in the event that Thiago is sold, aware that there are clubs in the mix for him.

Sources have also confirmed that he’s a target for Tottenham, as well as fellow London club Chelsea.

It’s stated the Bees have taken a strong interest in Matviy Ponomarenko, who so far this season has 15 goals in all competitions in Ukraine.

Indeed, they’re considering options for their forward line anyway, but particularly if Thiago leaves, amid interest from Tottenham and Co.

TEAMtalk is also aware that Manchester City and Newcastle could have an interest in a striker this summer, so Thiago might not be far from their thinking.

Indeed, with Chelsea already a confirmed rival of Tottenham in pursuit of the Brentford striker and a few others potentially in the mix, Spurs could find it very difficult to convince him to join.

If they don’t get relegated, they’re unlikely to finish any higher than 17th, and given that’s also where they finished last season, their pull is not going to be particularly strong until they can show they have the capability to move up the league.

A player who is likely to finish second only to Haaland in the league’s top scorers list should not be playing for a club struggling down at the bottom of the table, and given he might have a few clubs after him, he won’t have to.

It might be a bit premature for Spurs to be able to land players of Thiago’s quality.

Journalist Henry Winter has given his verdict on Harvey Elliott’s time at Aston Villa on loan from Liverpool, with an Italian report revealing the Tottenham Hotspur problem that Reds owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), face in getting a deal done to bring Michele Di Gregorio to Anfield.

Elliott joined Villa on a season-long loan deal from Liverpool in the summer of 2025.

As part of the arrangements, the deal will become permanent for £35million if Elliott makes 10 appearances for Unai Emery’s side.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has made only nine appearances for Villa this season, scoring one goal in the process.

Harvey Elliott wasted away from Liverpool

Well-known journalist Henry Winter, who has 1.1million followers on X, has given his take on Elliott’s situation.

Winter wrote on X at 10:39pm on May 3: “The crazy situation that has put Harvey Elliott’s promising career on hold – stuck at nine games for Aston Villa on loan – is deeply frustrating on a human and professional level.

“It looks even crazier given the struggles of Villa’s squad players against Spurs.

“And also Liverpool’s need for some invention and energy, including a stronger option on the right against Manchester United.

“What a sad waste of a year for Elliott after a terrific Euro Under-21s where he was Player of the Tournament.

“He just wants to play.

“Last summer Elliott was looking forward to the season and hoping to force his way into the England senior squad.

“This loan with obligation to buy after 10 games has proved a millstone given Unai Emery doesn’t want to buy.

“You have to feel for Elliott.

“Clubs, PL, PFA and FIFA (because of the two-team rule) have to work to ensure a young player’s career isn’t put on hold again.

“Elliott deserves better.”

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Liverpool face Tottenham problem regarding Michele Di Gregorio

On April 26, TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reported that a potential swap deal between Liverpool and Juventus could be possible.

Juventus want to sign Alisson from Liverpool in the summer transfer window.

Sources have told us that the Brazilian goalkeeper is ‘intrigued’ by the prospect of returning to Italy and playing for Juventus.

Liverpool do not want to lose Alisson, but Michele Di Gregorio could move to Anfield from Juventus in a swap deal.

Bailey reported: ‘Liverpool have previously tracked the Italian, and should their interest be revived, he could be factored into negotiations between the two clubs.’

However, it now appears that Juventus are willing to include Di Gregorio to sign Destiny Udogie from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window.

Tottenham, who are in danger of getting relegated from the Premier League, are ready to sell goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario this summer.

Spurs will need a replacement goalkeeper, and Juventus are willing to send Di Gregorio, 28, to the north London club in exchange for left-back Destiny Udogie, according to CalcioMercato.it.

It remains to be seen if Tottenham accept such an offer, but Liverpool have been warned.

Newcastle United target Curtis Jones

Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has reported that Newcastle United have joined the race for Curtis Jones.

Aston Villa and Inter Milan were already keen on a 2026 summer deal for the Liverpool midfielder, and we understand that Newcastle have now taken a shine to the midfielder.

Sandro Tonali could leave Newcastle at the end of the season, and the Magpies would need a replacement.

Sources have told us that Newcastle view Jones as a player who fits their profile.

Pundit Stephen Warnock has told Tottenham their “biggest mistake” aligns with hiring Roberto De Zerbi – essentially that they didn’t do it sooner.

Spurs have been managed by Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor and De Zerbi this season. Frank averaged just 1.12 points per game in the Premier League as Tottenham boss, and Tudor’s reign was a horrible one – in which he picked up just one point in five games.

His swift dismissal led to the hire of De Zerbi, who in three games is already on a better points average than his two predecessors.

He has the tough task of trying to engineer Premier League survival, with Spurs currently in the drop zone but with a chance to exit if they beat Aston Villa on Sunday evening.

Former Premier League defender Warnock feels Spurs made a mistake in ever hiring Tudor, suggesting they should have turned to De Zerbi, who might have pulled them closer to safety sooner.

He told Football Focus: “The biggest mistake Tottenham made was bringing in Tudor, before bringing in someone like [De Zerbi].

“If he’d have had the time that Tudor was given from then until the end of the season, I don’t think Tottenham would be in this position.”

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De Zerbi didn’t give Tottenham much choice

In hindsight, with De Zerbi having picked up a win and a draw in his three games, it seems he might quite easily have picked up points in the games Tudor struggled with.

But the Italian boss didn’t given Tottenham much of a choice.

Even in the days leading up to being hired by Spurs, De Zerbi wasn’t certain on taking the role this season. Indeed, TEAMtalk was aware that he would rather wait until the summer to take the job.

However, his stance softened and he opted to attempt to pull Tottenham out of the mire.

That he didn’t look likely to take the role even days prior to doing so was why Spurs had to look elsewhere previously, though given they eventually convinced him, they could have done so before giving Tudor the nod.

There’s a good chance De Zerbi would have had more success than the Croatian in the games he failed in, but all they can hope for now is the current boss being able to succeed in the remaining fixtures.