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Tottenham are in for a frantic summer window as the threat of a damaging relegation looms large, and the agent of Radu Dragusin has responded to rumours that he could return to Serie A this summer.

The 24-year-old centre-back joined Tottenham from Genoa in a deal worth around £21.5million in the summer of 2024 – a deal which made him the most expensive Romanian player of all time.

However, Dragusin’s impact at Spurs has been limited due to injuries and competition for playing time, and he’s made just nine Premier League appearances this season – only six of which have been starts.

With Tottenham sitting in the relegation zone and two points away from safety, Dragusin has predictably been linked with a summer exit. Fiorentina and Juventus have both been linked with the defender recently.

But Dragusin’s agent, Florin Manea, has dismissed suggestions that any agreement to sign the player is imminent, and said he remains focused on helping Tottenham survive.

He does admit, however, that he will be flying to ‘meet’ with Dragusin soon to iron out plans for the summer.

“Radu didn’t ask me for anything,” Manea told Digi Sport. “I said we won’t talk until the end of the championship; he’s focused on saving Tottenham.

“I also talked to him last night, we have time, no one is rushing us for now. If someone calls me, you’ll realise I’m talking, but I haven’t been contacted, I’m telling you the truth.

“His priority now is saving Tottenham. I haven’t talked to Fiorentina, Juventus or even Tottenham. I’ll arrive in England next week, I’ll meet with Radu and we’ll see.”

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Dragusin update emerges as Tottenham exodus looms

Dragusin’s alleged commitment to Tottenham comes as a boost to the club as they prepare for a window in which they could lose several key players.

We previously revealed how Archie Gray, Conor Gallagher, and James Maddison have all been labelled ‘untouchable’ by Tottenham’s chiefs, and will not leave even if they are relegated.

Uncertainty effectively surrounds every other player in the Tottenham squad ahead of the summer – but Dragusin appears determined to help turn things around.

How much he will feature in the remainder of the season is unclear, though, as he’s played just one minute since Roberto de Zerbi’s appointment as manager.

While Dragusin’s future is yet to be decided, his fellow Tottenham centre-backs, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, look highly likely to be on their way his summer, whatever happens.

Romero is sidelined with an injury but we understand Spurs are ready to listen to offers in the region of £60million for the Argentine, with Atletico Madrid big admirers of his.

As for Van de Ven, the Dutch centre-back has zero intention of signing a new contract with Spurs, as we revealed earlier this month, and his representatives have made it clear to the club that he would like to leave this summer.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are all showing strong interest in Van de Ven, while Real Madrid are also monitoring the situation.

Tottenham’s end-of-season planning has been dealt a significant blow, with TEAMtalk able to confirm that Xavi Simons will not feature again this year after suffering an ACL rupture against Wolves.

The Dutch paymaker, who arrived from RB Leipzig in a £52million move last summer, has been a key figure for Spurs across the campaign, making 28 league appearances and growing in influence, particularly since Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment.

His energy, creativity and versatility had made him central to the manager’s system during a crucial stretch of the season, notching a goal and an assist in their recent 2-2 draw with Brighton.

Sources have indicated that Simons had been fully committed to the club’s survival push and was prepared to remain at Tottenham should they retain their Premier League status.

His focus had been firmly on helping the team avoid relegation, with no immediate desire to seek a move elsewhere under those circumstances.

However, as TEAMtalk revealed last week, Spurs have been drawing up contingency plans for next season that account for both Premier League and Championship scenarios.

Within those internal discussions, Simons was among a group of players the club had identified as potential saleable assets, largely due to the level of interest he has attracted and his market value. That situation has now changed entirely.

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Simons blow reshapes Tottenham plans

The severity of Simons’ injury means Tottenham’s plans will have to be adjusted.

Any potential summer exit is effectively off the table, with the focus now shifting to his recovery and reintegration ahead of next season.

His absence also removes a key option from De Zerbi’s squad at a pivotal point in the campaign.

In the short term, Spurs are hopeful that James Maddison will return to fitness in the final weeks of the season.

The England international is expected to play a leading role in compensating for the loss of Simons, offering creativity and control as Tottenham look to navigate the run-in.

Simons’ injury is a setback both for the player and the club, not only in terms of immediate performance but also in how it reshapes Tottenham’s broader squad strategy heading into what is shaping up to be a defining summer.

De Zerbi is looking to add experience to his squad, with an agreement in principle reached with Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson reached, while a move for Rangers right-back James Tavernier is being explored, as we exclusively revealed today.

We understand that three players who Spurs will not allow to leave under any circumstances are Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray, and Maddison.

But every other player who are not sidelined through injury will effectively be up for grabs this summer if Spurs are relegated, so big changes are on the horizon for De Zerbi and his team.

Liverpool are positioning themselves in prime position to beat Tottenham Hotspur to the free transfer signing of Marcos Senesi this summer, and despite sources confirming that an agreement has been reached with Spurs, the Reds could beat them to the punch thanks to FOUR key factors.

The Bournemouth star has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most stylish centre-halves, mixing both defensive authority and reading of the game, with his superb ability to pick out several progressive passes to get his side up the field. Now, just a year after losing one defensive colossus in Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, the Cherries are facing the loss of a second in Senesi.

Indeed, the 28-year-old is poised to leave the Vitality Stadium as a free agent after reaching the end of his four-year deal with the club and having made it clear to Cherries officials that he is not willing to renew.

With interest in the three-times capped Argentina international now gathering pace, our transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey confirmed last week that Senesi has reached an agreement in principle to join Tottenham this summer.

However, two factors – one being the very realistic fear that Spurs could be relegated – could yet scupper the deal.

Now, according to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are very much positioning themselves in a strong position to hijack the deal.

Their reporter Mark Brus explained: “It may be that Senesi is leaning towards Spurs if they stay up, but my understanding is that other clubs like Liverpool remain in the race for his signature.

“The Reds are exploring the centre-backs market as they’re really keen to add depth even if Ibrahima Konate stays and signs a new contract.

“I previously mentioned the likes of Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Chelsea also being keen on Senesi, but it now seems their interest has cooled. Meanwhile, the player is understood to have rejected offers from Juventus and Borussia Dortmund as they didn’t meet his demands.”

Off the back of that, it’s understood that four major trump cards could swing the deal in Liverpool’s favour…

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Liverpool have four key ace cards over Spurs in Marcos Senesi race

Having brought Senesi to the Vitality Stadium in a summer 2022 transfer from Feyenoord, Richard Hughes – now Liverpool’s sporting director – is believed to have a good relationship with the player’s agents, and that could yet prove a key factor in bringing the Argentine to Anfield.

The fact that Champions League football could also be on the offer at Anfield will also prove another key denominator, with Spurs, at the very best, only able to offer domestic top-flight football.

A player coming into his prime, Senesi might see a move to Anfield as a potential once-in-a-lifetime chance, and the fact that Virgil van Dijk, 35 this summer, is expected to leave Anfield at the end of his deal next year could further his pathway into the first team.

In addition, Senesi is understood to share a close friendship with Reds midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and, if the Reds are serious about hijacking a deal, could use the midfielder to try and convince his international teammate to pick the move to Anfield.

Senesi himself has kept his silence with regards his future, though the BBC last week backed up our claims that the 28-year-old has rejected three offers from Bournemouth to extend his stay on the south coast, and the feeling is now a question of where he will move to next.

The closing weeks of the season will have a big bearing on Senesi’s future and, if Spurs’ quest to stay in the Premier League fails, it will only enhance Liverpool’s hopes of landing the impressive Cherries star on a free transfer.

Missing out on Senesi would prove a huge blow for Spurs, who had outlined the star as a replacement for his compatriot, Cristian Romero, who looks destined to leave this summer.

New manager Roberto De Zerbi could also miss out on another top target this summer in Andy Robertson, after a report outlined the side now looking to gazump Spurs to the departing Reds full-back.

In an exclusive update, TEAMtalk sources have, though, revealed the surprise interest that De Zerbi has in a 34-year-old Scottish Premiership star.

Atletico Madrid have stormed into contention for the signing of Liverpool left-back, Andy Robertson, despite the Scot sealing a full agreement with Tottenham, according to a report.

Robertson, 32, is leaving Liverpool when his contract expires in the summer. The left-back still believes he has what it takes to be a regular starter at an elite club, but with Arne Slot generally favouring Milos Kerkez this season, a parting of the ways is now necessary.

Robertson has already agreed personal terms with Tottenham. The deal crossing the line is contingent on Spurs retaining their Premier League status. As it stands, Tottenham currently sit 18th in the Premier League table.

Reaffirming Robertson’s agreement with Tottenham over the past 48 hours, transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, stated: “According to my information, there is already, in this case, an agreement on everything between Robertson and Tottenham, depending on Premier League status, and so that’s going to be a crucial step.”

A prior report from The Athletic insisted Tottenham are placing a high value on the leadership and experience Robertson would bring.

Spurs may well possess an ultra-talented squad, but leadership and experience are two areas in which they’re sorely lacking, and which Robertson can go some way to remedying.

Yet according to the latest from The Dailu Record, Tottenham might miss out on signing Robertson even if they avoid relegation.

Atletico Madrid hijack launch Andy Robertson transfer hijack

They stated Diego Simeone has instructed the decision-makers at Atletico Madrid to make a move for Robertson. Given Simeone is a god-like figure at Atleti, the club have listened.

Atleti will now try and steer Robertson away from north London and down to the Spanish capital.

Simeone is no stranger to signing experienced British full-backs having previously worked wonders with Kieran Trippier before he eventually returned to England with Newcastle.

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Robertson’s dogged displays would appear to mesh well with Simeone’s brand of football at Atleti, and whether a deal is agreed will largely depend on convincing the left-back moving to Spain at this stage in his career is the right move.

The Daily Record stressed Robertson may be slightly reluctant to relocate to another country given he is settled in England with a young family.

Scottish giants Celtic have been frequently linked with bringing Robertson home. He was on Celtic’s books as a youth, though the report concluded Celtic stand very little chance of securing that reunion with teams the calibre of Tottenham and Atletico Madrid in the picture.

Xavi Simons is facing up to eight months on the sidelines after he confirmed he had ruptured his ACL during Tottenham Hotspur’s win at Wolves on Saturday, with the star uploading an emotional message on social media and with Roberto De Zerbi’s injury list now growing to 11 players.

The Dutch star was left in agony after twisting his knee as he fell awkwardly in the 63rd-minute of the clash at Molineux as De Zerbi’s side earned a first win under his tenure – and indeed Tottenham‘s first Premier League success of 2026 – to give their hopes of survival a much-needed kick boost.

But they will need to pull off their escape without the services of arguably their most inspirational player in recent weeks, who now faces up to having to watch their survival scrap from the sidelines, but also having to miss out on the World Cup finals with the Netherlands.

Simons has been fired up in recent weeks and looked like the man most likely to lead his side to survival, thanks to some inspired displays.

Indeed, the Dutch playmaker, a £51.8m (€60m) signing from RB Leipzig in August, has scored six goals and added seven assists this season, looking like their go-to player as the season reaches its climax.

But now they will have to do without his goals and creativity through their remaining four matches as they look to claw themselves clear of 18th place and a first relegation from the top flight since 1977.

Confirming the cruellest of blows on his Instagram account, Simons said: “They say life can be cruel, and today it feels that way.

“My season has come to an abrupt end, and I’m just trying to process it. Honestly, I’m heartbroken. None of it makes sense.

“All I’ve wanted to do is fight for my team, and now the ability to do that has been snatched away from me, along with the World Cup.”

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Simons’ injury: Tottenham’s problems pile up

The loss of their star man for the remainder of the season is yet another cruel blow in a season of injuries at N17.

De Zerbi was without nine first-team players during Saturday’s win – and also lost striker Dominic Solanke during the game to a muscle injury.

While the England striker will hope his injury is not too serious, he is an early doubt for Sunday’s vital clash against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

And should he miss the game, he will join the likes of Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies, Cristian Romero, Pape Sarr, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odobert in having to watch from the sidelines.

James Maddison has not played a competitive minute of football for Spurs since picking up his own ACL injury for Spurs in South Korea last summer, and, while he has been back on the bench in recent games, De Zerbi will have to decide whether to re-integrate him over the remaining games.

De Zerbi explained how he can cover for his absences following Saturday’s win at Wolves.

“We can play with Mathys Tel on the left. Kolo Muani on the right. Souza on the right. [Lucas] Bergvall on the left. We have to create,” he said.

“I don’t want to change too much (like) three defenders or four defenders, I don’t want to put more confusion on the players, especially this season, because they changed a lot of tactical disposition. I want to be clear and simple, but for your question, we need to stay strong in the head and positive in ourselves.”

On the subject of Bergvall, a report has revealed the Swede’s thinking, with regards transfer links to Arsenal and what he plans to do this summer.

On the incoming front, Tottenham reportedly have ‘genuine interest’ in signing Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, who’s currently on loan at Barcelona – but there’s one big catch.

A Tottenham star who is being tracked by Arsenal reportedly has ‘no plans’ to move on from the relegation-threatened side IF they stay in the Premier League.

A lot will change at Spurs if they cannot preserve their top-flight status this season. They will lose a whole host of players, with big names such as Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Lucas Bergvall all on the radars of some big clubs.

There is a feeling that at least one of the former pair could move on in any case, but it seems Bergvall won’t be.

According to insider Pete O’Rourke, there are ‘no plans’ for the Swede to turn his back on Tottenham, providing they remain a Premier League club next season.

O’Rourke told Football Insider: “They really wouldn’t want to see Bergvall move to some of their rivals in Chelsea or Aston Villa.

“With Tottenham, all the focus is on staying in the Premier League, as then they won’t have to bat off this interest in some of their players.

“If they do suffer relegation, it’s going to be a real battle to keep hold of some of their best players, and Bergvall, I’m sure, will attract a lot of interest.

“But I think right now he’s under a long-term contract and it does seem Bergvall is happy at Tottenham and will be happy to stay if they do secure Premier League survival.”

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Bergvall eyed by rivals Arsenal

Indeed, Villa and Chelsea are both linked, and TEAMtalk is aware that both clubs are indeed keen on Bergvall, with the Villans remaining keen after they made contact in January.

But it’s interest from Arsenal which is most intriguing given the context of the Swede playing for their bitter rivals, Tottenham.

Sources have stated that the Gunners and Chelsea are leading the English pursuit of Bergvall, in terms of the work and analysis they have done on the potential transfer.

The line from Tottenham is that Bergvall is “unsellable,” though, as one of the best performers in a difficult season, so it will be good for them to know the midfielder isn’t preparing to jump ship.

Tottenham insider John Wenham “can’t see” the club wanting to bring a hero back to Spurs once the summer transfer window comes around.

Spurs are attempting to claw their way back from the relegation mix. Tottenham occupy the final relegation spot and are two points below West Ham and five below Nottingham Forest.

While they could drag other sides in with positive results, it seems the likelihood is one of Spurs or West Ham will be relegated.

After drawing against Brighton last week, Tottenham maintained their two-point gap to the Hammers by beating Wolves 1-0, the only goal scored by Joao Palhinha.

The midfielder is only on loan in north London, and the club have the option to recruit him permanently for £22million.

But Wenham believes that’s unlikely, as he told Tottenham News: “I can’t see it as we’re building for hopefully a long-term future with De Zerbi and he is yet to pick him to start, whilst he’s selected all of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Conor Gallagher, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur.

“It seems surprising, and likely just agent or intermediary talk.”

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Palhinha deal has been in doubt for months

Palhinha could end up being Tottenham’s hero this season. His late goal against Wolves ensured the gap to West Ham didn’t stretch to four points, and he’s also scored some other crucial goals this term.

He also scored in the victory over Manchester City on the second day of the season and bagged a stoppage time equaliser in the first match against Wolves.

The points he has gained for Tottenham with those goals could end up being the fine margins that keep them up.

In any case, his position as a Spurs player has long been under threat. TEAMtalk reported back in February that Thomas Frank’s departure as manager complicated the potential signing.

Indeed, the club were expected to make a decision on Palhinha in the summer, and the expectation was that Frank, the man who signed him, would still be at the helm.

But that was two managers ago, and as Palhinha hasn’t started under De Zerbi, the chances of him feeling the same way as Frank did seem slim.

Tottenham reportedly have ‘genuine interest’ in signing Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, who’s currently on loan at Barcelona, but there’s one big catch.

Spurs have been one of the most underwhelming sides in the Premier League this season. After finishing 17th last term, their good start quickly dissipated and they’re in serious relegation trouble – two points from safety, having dropped into the relegation places a couple of weeks ago.

The hope is of course that they gain enough points over the next four games to avoid relegation, and new boss Roberto De Zerbi will look to recruit some quality players thereafter.

One of those is United man Rashford, with Spanish outlet Sport stating Tottenham have ‘genuine interest’ in landing the forward.

The catch in that is that they must avoid relegation for that to be possible, as there’s not a chance Rashford would go from Barcelona to Championship football in the space of a few months.

‘Key players’ are being eyed for if Tottenham do manage to avoid the drop, though, per the report.

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Rashford future uncertain

Barcelona have an option to make Rashford’s loan permanent for £26million, but TEAMtalk is aware they are hopeful of coming to an agreement on another 12-month loan.

Indeed, they are fully committed to bringing him back next season, but the structure of the deal remains unresolved between the clubs.

Rashford has verbally agreed personal terms in principle, per sources, and is awaiting an agreement between the clubs.

That makes Tottenham’s pursuit all the more bonkers. There is a chance that Rashford doesn’t get the move he wants if the two clubs can’t come to an agreement.

But after the forward has had a massive resurgence at one of the world’s biggest clubs, moving to a side who will hypothetically have just avoided relegation from the Premier League, would be a massive step backwards.

If he can’t make his dream move, Rashford will be looking to a bigger side than Tottenham, almost certainly.

With 13 goals and 13 assists so far for Barcelona, there will surely be huge sides on the hunt for the United man, too.

Arsenal urged to chase Rashford

Arsenal could be one of those clubs, with the side who currently top the Premier League urged by a presenter to go after Rashford.

Angelina Kelly said: “[Leandro] Trossard’s goals have dried up in 2026. [Noni] Madueke hasn’t been good enough and prefers to play on the right.

“Gabriel Martinelli, a few seasons ago, [he scored] 15 league goals in the 2022-23 season, but he seems to have been forced to stay wide and spend so much time running back and helping to defend.

“It’s actually a shame that you’ve got such a talented forward reduced to such a simplistic role, you could argue.

“I think that Arsenal need to sign a winger who maybe doesn’t want to defend, someone who breaks the rules a little bit and makes their own decisions, rather than following Mikel Arteta’s instructions to a tee.

“Rashford could be the answer, he doesn’t like to track back. So maybe they could compromise and get a winger then who does the appropriate amount of pressing and tracking back as per what Mikel Arteta wants, but still will want to do the important job of attacking.

“Having a player that stays up field and gets into the box is always a good thing.”

North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are being tipped to go head-to-head for a South American sensation who has been turning heads with top European sides over recent months.

While both clubs still have so much to play for at either end of the Premier League table, alongside Arsenal’s run to the Champions League semi-finals, they do still have one eye on summer business.

For Tottenham, it’s a trickier situation, as they remain in the relegation zone with just four games to go, despite finally recording their first league win of 2026 at Wolves on Saturday.

Joao Palhinha’s second-half strike at Molineux would have seen Spurs jump above West Ham in the table, only for the Hammers to snatch a late home win over Everton.

Tottenham already have an agreement in place to sign Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi on a free transfer, although that is dependent on them staying up amid strong interest from Man Utd, Liverpool too.

And they are now being tipped to move for an impressive Colombian midfield talent, as per a German source, although Arsenal and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich could stand in their way.

Journalist Philipp Kessler has revealed that Spurs are indeed among the clubs considering a move for 17-year-old midfield starlet Samuel Martinez.

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Tottenham, Arsenal facing Bayern threat in teenager chase

The teenager, who largely plays as a No.10, is viewed as ‘one of the most promising young talents in Colombian football’, having ‘won many admirers with his performances for Atletico Nacional’s youth sides’.

However, Kessler adds that Martinez, who has been likened by some to legendary Brazilian playmaker Kaka, is also on the radars of the Gunners and Bayern.

Kessler wrote on X: “FC Bayern is comparing the Colombia gem Samuel Martinez to Brazil legend Kaka. Alongside the Bavarians, Tottenham and Arsenal have also joined the race for the attacking talent around the U17 South American Championship final.”

Meanwhile, a report from GiveMeSport adds that Martinez is ‘keen on a move to Europe this summer’ and also suggests that he could be available for a ‘bargain’ fee’.

What that fee is remains unclear, but clubs are already starting to queue p for the lates South American talent.

Indeed, the GMS report adds that Chelsea, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Benfica have all scouted the player in recent times.

From the Tottenham fan perspective, probably the last thing they will want to see is ‘not another younger talent’ being added to what is already one of the youngest squads in the Premier League.

However, it could end up being a moot point if the club drop down to the Championship, with Martinez more likely to head to Arsenal or Bayern in that scenario.

Manchester United or Liverpool could ruin Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans this summer, according to a report, while INEOS will also watch a France international live.

This summer will represent another huge transfer window for Man Utd, as they intend to sign two new midfielders, plus a left-back, centre-half and left winger. A new right-back and goalkeeper could also arrive at Old Trafford if finances allow.

Tottenham have already finalised personal terms with a centre-back – dependent on them staying in the Premier League – but the transfer is reportedly under threat.

Man Utd enter Tottenham battle

Bournemouth star Marcos Senesi is the player in question. He has decided to leave the Vitality Stadium when his contract expires on June 30.

We confirmed on April 17 that Spurs have agreed terms with the Argentine after identifying him as a key defensive target.

However, CaughtOffside report that both United and Liverpool are primed to hijack Senesi’s transfer to north London.

United’s interest in Senesi has been confirmed as they seek a new centre-back amid concerns over the fitness issues that have plagued Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt this season.

Liverpool also ‘remain in the race’ for the 28-year-old. Spurs may have positioned themselves as frontrunners for Senesi, but there is still competition.

And if Roberto De Zerbi’s side get relegated, then Senesi will be able to choose from his other suitors. In addition to United and Liverpool, Barcelona have identified him as a backup target for Alessandro Bastoni.

CaughtOffside’s report namechecks Pierre Kalulu as another defensive option for United, and the Italian press have also discussed the Juventus star’s future…

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United send official

United have sent a scout to watch Kalulu in action in Serie A, as per Tuttomercatoweb.

Kalulu, who can operate as either a centre-half or right-back, has been one of Juve’s best performers over the past two years.

The Bianconeri want to reward him with a new contract, and talks are already underway. But United have ‘set their sights’ on Kalulu, and a club official will watch him against his former club AC Milan on Sunday night.

The France international, 25, cost Juve €14million when arriving from Milan.

Reports in January claimed Juve had set Kalulu’s price tag at €30-35m (£26-30m), which did little to put United off.

£80m boost

United have received a lift as they look to win the busy race for Aston Villa maestro Morgan Rogers.

Journalist Ben Jacobs states that Liverpool and Bayern Munich’s interest in Rogers is no longer as ‘active’ as United’s.

Instead, Arsenal, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain will be United’s main competitors for the attacking midfielder.

Rogers is ‘likely to leave’ Villa even if they qualify for next season’s Champions League. His price tag has been set at the £80m mark.

United have identified Rogers and Cole Palmer as potential successors for Bruno Fernandes in the No 10 role.