TEAMtalk

Should the unthinkable happen and Tottenham Hotspur suffer relegation for the first time in the Premier League era, TEAMtalk has looked at how they could line up with club legend Robbie Keane at the helm, and there are a few surprises.

Spurs made a disastrous start to Igor Tudor’s tenure as interim boss, with the Croatian, who has a big reputation for his fire-fighting abilities, becoming the first Tottenham manager to lose his first game in charge since Andre Villas-Boas in 2012.

Still to win a Premier League game in 2026, Tottenham are currently in freefall and have just 11 games left to preserve their top-flight status. Add in the fact they will need a new permanent manager in the summer, assuming Tudor doesn’t turn into prime Mauricio Pochettino and bag the permanent job himself, and so much is at stake for the club.

That being said, should the worst happen, we think that a combination of a name like Keane’s, along with Tottenham still having some sort of allure within the game – even if it is trending massively in the wrong direction – could see some senior players remain.

Keane’s title-winning Ferencvaros team in Hungary played a 3-5-2, so we’ll have to assume he will favour that in the Championship, and that is how we’ve constructed this XI…

GK: James Trafford

Guglielmo Vicario will be back in his homeland come the summer, while other clubs, most notably West Ham have been enquiring over his backup Antonin Kinsky. In this scenario, we believe Spurs push to sign a keeper with Championship experience and Trafford fits the bill perfectly.

This one could be a loan from Man City, unless they decide to sell, which becomes a problem if the likes of Leeds, Aston Villa and Newcastle continue to show interest in the 23-year-old.

RCB: Kevin Danso

As explained above, we believe that Danso is one of the players who will not push to leave, knowing that he will be a guaranteed starter week in, week out.

The Austria international has never really let the team down when called upon and would relish the challenge that the Championship brings, along with spearheading an immediate return to the top flight.

CB: Luka Vuskovic

Yes, we realise keeping Vuskovic on board will be incredibly tough, given the level of interest in the hugely talented defender due to his sparkling form on loan at Hamburg this season. However, having sold Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven for big money and also offloaded Radu Dragusin, Keane convinces Vuskovic to stay and plugs him into the heart of his back three, where his ball-playing skills can be fully utilised.

LCB: Ashley Phillips

Speaking of Championship experience, Phillips has it in abundance, and there have been calls from many Tottenham fans in the past to give the forgotten signing a crack at first-team level.

He gets his chance here, having spent time on loan at Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City (twice) after joining initially from Blackburn. Indeed, Phillips has played more than 100 games in English football’s second tier.

DON’T MISS: FIFTEEN big-name players to leave Tottenham if they’re relegated – reliable report

RWB: Jun’ai Byfield

With Pedro Porro gone and Djed Spence not wanting to stoop to Championship level again, Spurs could opt to sign a more experienced option for the right wing-back role (and they almost certainly will), but we think they trust their Academy here and opt for the highly-rated Byfield.

A centre-back by trade, having started his career as a striker, big things are expected of the 17-year-old talent and it’s a position he has played in the past. Despite his tender age, Byfield has already featured three times for the club’s senior team, including two times in the Champions League.

CM: Archie Gray

The England Under-21 gets to play regularly in his favoured position, and the one which encouraged Tottenham to sign him in the first place, when he was excelling in the Championship with Leeds.

Having seen his mate Lucas Bergvall almost certainly remain in the Premier League, given the interest in his services in the January window, Gray stays to be the defensive midfield pivot in a Spurs team that should see much more of the ball at Championship level and play to his strengths.

CM: Conor Gallagher (captain)

Probably the first of the shocks when it comes to Tottenham managing to keep some of their bigger names, but we feel Gallagher is the type of character that will want to play his part in bringing the club straight back to the Premier League.

Indeed, the 26-year-old is made captain of this team, and while it might affect his England chances, the fact there is no major tournament in 2027 works to Spurs’ advantage here.

LWB: Souza

The January signing from Brazil is the natural fit here, especially with Destiny Udogie more than likely heading back to Italy and Spence also gone.

It’s maybe a bit of a gamble in terms of Souza, 19, still being new to English football, and there’s every chance a more experienced option is signed, but we think the teenager’s pace and attacking capabilities get him the nod here in a more advanced full-back role.

AM: Mikey Moore

As our very own Fraser Fletcher has stated, Moore is keen on extending his stay at Rangers after loving his time on loan at Ibrox this season, but Tottenham still have plans for the exciting teenager. Indeed, Moore is used in a slightly different role under Keane, operating as one of two No.10s and having the option to play centrally or drift out wide.

Again, this is assuming Tottenham are in the Championship as, if they’re not, then there is a strong chance Moore heads back to Glasgow again.

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AM: James Maddison

This might come as a shock to some but Maddison’s stock is not what it once was, and he’s coming off the back of an ACL injury that has not seen him feature at all this season.

The 29-year-old remains under contract until 2028 and there is a strong chance Keane could convince him to stay in a comeback year, despite the fact he jumped ship with Leicester when they went down in 2023.

FW: Dominic Solanke

Another player we genuinely think could choose to stay and help the club return to the top flight at the first time of asking, with his injury issues this season once again playing a part in any potential sale.

The 28-year-old hardly featured at all in the first half of the campaign, having also had several niggling injuries last season. He has managed four goals in nine outings since his return to action and would be a 20-goal starter at Championship level, if he stayed fit.

Indeed, the last time Solanke played at that level, he scored 29 times for Bournemouth during the 2021/22 season.

TEAMtalk understands that Tottenham Hotspur are NOT close to agreeing a new deal with defensive star Micky van de Ven, with contract talks on hold until the summer as the club battles through a turbulent period on and off the pitch.

Spurs find themselves embroiled in a relegation fight, and the arrival of interim boss Igor Tudor has done little to lift the mood, with bitter rivals Arsenal claiming a convincing 4-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Tudor’s first game in charge.

Despite the club’s struggles, Van de Ven has enjoyed an outstanding campaign, and Tottenham’s original plan was to reward the Dutchman with a bumper new contract, putting him on par with the club’s highest earners, Cristian Romero and Conor Gallagher.

Spurs sources insist that keeping Van de Ven on a new deal remains a long-term ambition, but we can reveal that talks have been shelved until the summer as the club prioritises survival.

However, we understand that the player himself currently has little belief that a new deal at Tottenham is the way forward. Sources close to Van de Ven suggest he is weighing up his options, with some doubts over the club’s direction and future prospects, but his main focus is on helping Spurs retain their Premier League status.

TEAMtalk can confirm that Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on the situation, having been informed about Van de Ven’s current contract status.

With David Alaba set to leave and Antonio Rudiger possibly departing, Real are in the market for a left-sided central defender, and Van de Ven is firmly on their radar.

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Real Madrid plotting huge Tottenham raid

Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck is another player Real Madrid admire, but Van de Ven is understood to be a top target.

The Dutchman has also emerged as a player of interest for Chelsea and Liverpool, with both clubs monitoring developments closely as the summer window approaches.

We have reported previously how Liverpool view Van de Ven as a potential replacement to Ibrahima Konate, who could depart Anfield as a free agent in the summer.

With Spurs’ on-field issues taking precedence and Van de Ven’s future uncertain, the coming months promise to be pivotal for both club and player.

The 24-year-old has made 25 Premier League appearances this season, scoring four goals in the process and captaining the club on multiple occasions.

Spurs are desperate to keep Van de Ven, but contract talks being shelved adds another layer of intrigue to the saga as interest ramps up.

Latest Tottenham news: Moore dilemma / Romero replacement

Meanwhile, Rangers are desperate to re-sign exciting Tottenham youngster Mikey Moore on loan next season, as reported by my colleague, Fraser Fletcher.

However, we understand that in the scenario Spurs were relegated, as they sit just five points above the drop zone, they would likely BLOCK Moore’s exit and keep him for the second-tier campaign.

In other news, Tottenham are reportedly battling two European giants for the signature of a perfect replacement for Cristian Romero.

A reliable source insists the club captain is leaving Spurs in the summer, regardless of whether they stay up or go down.

Juventus have installed Guglielmo Vicario as their No 1 goalkeeper target for the summer and they’re prepared to meet the asking price, while TEAMtalk can reveal three stoppers currently in the Premier League who Tottenham are considering as the replacement.

Juventus signed Michele Di Gregorio to a permanent deal last summer following an initial loan from Monza. The expectation was he’d line up between the sticks in Turin for the long haul, but his performances haven’t justified such a commitment.

Gazzetta dello Sport are the latest outlet in Italy to claim Juve no longer believe Di Gregorio is of the standard required.

Calciomercato have stated the same, and as such, a new starting goalkeeper will be signed in the summer.

The ‘main route’ reportedly ‘leads to London’, with Tottenham’s Vicario their primary target.

It’s no secret the 30-year-old desires a return to his homeland at season’s end, even if Spurs avoid relegation.

Inter Milan have long been touted as the likeliest club to snap Vicario up. Inter are expected to move on from 37-year-old Yann Sommer when his contract expires in the summer.

But per GdS, Juventus now pose a serious threat to Inter and the €25m-€30m / £22m-£26m price tag on Vicario’s head ‘would fall within Juventus’ parameters.’

Furthermore, it’s claimed Juve won’t have a problem matching Vicario’s current salary (roughly £75,000-a-week), meaning he can join a bigger club and return home without having to take a pay-cut.

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Tottenham eye three Vicario replacements

TEAMtalk tasked transfer insiders, Graeme Bailey and Fraser Fletcher, with looking into who Spurs would attempt to sign as Vicario’s successor. Of course, the names that came back would only be viable if Tottenham avoid relegation.

Sources informed us James Trafford (Manchester City), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton) and Robin Roefs (Sunderland) are all under consideration.

Trafford is unhappy with his situation at City. At the time of his arrival, he was pencilled in to be the club’s starter, but the subsequent arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma shunted Trafford on to the bench. Verbruggen and Roefs are both starters at their respective clubs.

Sources stressed there is no clear favourite in Spurs’ mind at present, and it’s very much an ‘open situation’.

Nevertheless, it can be confirmed Roefs, Verbruggen and Trafford are admired in north London.

Latest Tottenham news – Van de Ven furious / €40m Romero replacement / SEVENTEEN leaving if relegated

In other news, Micky van de Ven has launched a furious tirade into the relegation battle the club find themselves embroiled in, challenging five players who can help save the club from demotion to the Championship, while new manager Igor Tudor has stunningly admitted the team is “full of problems”.

Elsewhere, Spurs are battling two European giants for the signature of a readymade replacement for Cristian Romero who a reliable source is adamant is leaving Spurs in the summer.

Rangers are eager to secure the services of on-loan Tottenham Hotspur forward Mikey Moore for another season, with TEAMtalk sources revealing the young Englishman’s stance on remaining at Ibrox.

The 18-year-old winger, who joined Rangers on a season-long loan in the summer of 2025, has impressed under manager Danny Rohl, contributing five goals, three assists, and several moments of flair that have endeared him to the Ibrox faithful.

Chants of “Mikey, Mikey Moore” have become a regular feature at games, reflecting his rapid rise in popularity.

Sources close to the situation indicate that Rangers view Moore as a key part of their plans moving forward. The club is keen to retain his services beyond the current campaign, believing another year in Glasgow would further aid his development amid competitive Scottish Premiership action and potential European involvement.

Crucially, Moore appears equally enthusiastic about extending his stay. He has spoken positively about his time north of the border, highlighting how much he is enjoying the environment at Ibrox.

His family is also settled and content with the arrangement, and they would support him remaining for another season to continue building experience and confidence.

From Tottenham’s perspective, the North London club would consider a further loan move if it guarantees the teenager regular first-team football. However, the situation could shift depending on Spurs’ own fortunes. Should Tottenham suffer relegation to the Championship, things could change dramatically…

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Tottenham would BLOCK Rangers deal if relegated

Tottenham would prefer to keep Moore in their squad for the 2026/27 season if they do suffer a damaging drop to the Championship.

The London club have endured a dismal season and sit 16th in the Premier League table, just four points above the relegation zone. Igor Tudor’s interim reign got off to the worst possible start with a 4-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, which has only added to the pressure.

But playing in the second tier could provide Moore with the minutes and platform to push for a prominent role upon the club’s potential return to the Premier League.

With no purchase option included in his initial loan deal, negotiations will focus on another temporary switch to Rangers. For now, all parties seem aligned on prioritising game time for the highly-rated prospect.

As the campaign progresses, Moore’s continued form could strengthen Rangers’ case, while Tottenham will weigh whether another year of senior exposure in Scotland outweighs integrating him directly into their plans.

The coming months promise to be pivotal in deciding the next chapter for one of England’s brightest young talents.

Latest Tottenham news: Van de Ven fumes / Romero replacement eyed

Meanwhile, Spurs centre-back Micky van de Ven has labelled his team’s struggles as completely ‘unacceptable’ as he continues to be linked with moves away.

Van de Ven also singled out five of his teammates, including himself, who must use their ‘experience’ to drag the club out of the mess they’re in.

In other news, Tottenham are reportedly battling two European giants for the signature of a readymade replacement for Cristian Romero.

A reliable source insists the club captain is leaving Spurs in the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has launched a furious tirade into the relegation battle the club find themselves embroiled in, challenging five players who can help save the club from demotion to the Championship, while new manager Igor Tudor has stunningly admitted the team is “full of problems”.

Spurs were beaten again on Sunday as they slipped to a 4-1 home defeat to title-chasing Arsenal in the 199th north London derby, to slip to their eighth home loss of the campaign. With just two wins from 14 home games, only Burnley and Wolves have endured worse campaigns on home soil in the Premier League than Tottenham Hotspur this season.

With West Ham gaining a point from a home clash with Bournemouth, the gap between Spurs and the bottom three is now just four points – leaving the club in real danger of suffering a first relegation of the Premier League era and a first in 49 years, with their last demotion coming in 1977.

In light of that situation, one of the team’s leaders, Van de Ven – one of 15 players certain to leave if relegation does arrive – has branded the situation “unacceptable” and has called on his teammates to dig deep and show their mettle.

Speaking to Sky Sports before the match, Van de Ven said: “If you are a club like Tottenham Hotspur, you have this quality of place (training ground), and you are, what I say, as big as the most, it’s unacceptable that you’re standing at this place on the table, and the results need to be way, way better.

“It’s fair that [the fans] are disappointed, but they need to know, as well, that we keep working every day and day out to do everything about changing this around, because even for us, the vibes in the dressing room, the vibes after the games, if we lose, the meetings, it’s tough. It’s really tough. So we do everything to turn things around.”

Naming himself as one of five players who must step up and save the club from tumbling into the second tier, he continued: “Of course, we still have some quality players left. We have a really talented squad and some top players, but we also miss some key players for us, and it’s really important for the players who are fit right now to step up.

“You have some young players, obviously, in the group, and you can’t really ask them to be the guys that need to push us forward. So, then, normally, I have Cuti next to me, who is now unfortunately suspended, but you have [Guglielmo] Vic behind me, who has a lot of experience, Joao Palhinha, in the midfield, who has a lot of experience, [Dominic] Solanke, who has a lot of experience.”

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Igor Tudor admits Tottenham are ‘full of problems’

Van de Ven is adamant that Spurs must stick together if they are to pull through and survive this season, concluding: “So you have some experience in the group, and then you just need to make sure that all the young guys speak out – just get everyone together. And I think that’s now most important, especially with the injuries we have.”

With the Thomas Frank era now in the rear-view mirror, Spurs will hope new manager Tudor is the man to help steer them to safety.

The Croatian – regarded as the ‘Croatian Sam Allardyce’ and having been warned he may well lead the club to relegation – has only been in charge nine days.

Yet his first match in charge was a rude awakening over the plight Spurs find themselves in and, while competitive in the first half, they were blown away by the league leaders after the break.

And in a stunning admission at full-time, Tudor admitted to BBC Radio Five Live: “Difficult start against a team who is now in this moment.

“A different level of physical state of mind, so congratulations to them. They were much better and they deserve this win. I got the spirit which we wanted to do things, but it was not enough. It is nice to understand where we are in this moment.”

Revealing the hard graft that is now required, he added: “It showed me on Tuesday that we need to work hard and work hard and seriously.

“Now, in this moment, the team is full of problems. The only key is to work on the training day by day and be humble. We need to be more aggressive – we need to be more compact. These are the keys.

“You understand the gap with the mental sharpness between one team and other teams. This is a thing we need to change. I saw players available to do this, but we need more time to do this.

“Thinking about relegation does not bring you anything to anybody.”

Latest Tottenham news: Romero replacement found; major Tudor update

With regards Tudor’s future, Tottenham sporting director, Johan Lange, has dropped a bombshell regarding the Croatian that won’t go unnoticed by Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi.

On the transfer front, Tottenham are reportedly battling two European giants for the signature of a readymade replacement for Romero, who a reliable source is adamant is leaving Spurs in the summer.

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly given Lucas Bergvall an enticing valuation as Liverpool track the midfielder and two of his teammates.

Tottenham are battling two European giants for the signature of a readymade replacement for Cristian Romero who a reliable source is adamant is leaving Spurs in the summer.

Romero, never a shrinking violet, has not been shy in voicing his displeasure with Tottenham and the situation they find themselves in this season.

And according to reporter Gaston Edul – who is ultra-reliable when it comes to Argentine players – the centre-back is in his final season at Spurs.

Reporting earlier in February, Edul declared: “Cristian Romero has inquiries from LaLiga in Spain and another league as well.

“He already had them in the previous transfer window and they were one step away from a formal offer. He’s going to leave Tottenham in the next market in June.”

Naturally, Romero’s exit will necessitate a new signing at the heart of Tottenham’s defence. And according to the latest from AfricaFoot, Spurs are zeroing in on Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba.

The 27-year-old helped Leverkusen to a league and cup double in 2024, though while the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah, Piero Hincapie and Florian Wirtz have since left, Tapsoba is among those who’ve remained.

The time to try a new experience may finally be nearing for Tapsoba now too, per the report, and there’s no shortage of high-profile interest.

It’s claimed Tottenham are locked in a three-way battle with Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid for the centre-back described as a ‘complete and decisive defender.’

Regarding cost, Leverkusen will reportedly give the green light to a sale if bids of around €40m / £35m are received.

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Latest Tottenham news – Lucas Bergvall / Darwin Nunez / Igor Tudor

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly given Lucas Bergvall an enticing valuation as Liverpool track the midfielder and two of his team-mates.

Elsewhere, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed a return to European football is ON for Darwin Nunez, and we can reveal Tottenham and one other Premier League side have held preliminary talks.

Real Madrid are keen on signing Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2026, according to a report, with the young defender one of three Spurs players that Los Blancos want to bring to Estadio Bernabeu.

Vuskovic is one of the brightest young centre-backs in Europe and is on loan at Hamburg from Tottenham until the end of the season. Back in September 2023, Tottenham agreed a £12million (€13.7m, $16m) deal with Hajduk Split to sign the teenager in the summer of 2025.

In late August 2025, Tottenham sent Vuskovic on loan to German club Hamburg for the 2025/26 campaign.

The 18-year-old centre-back has done extremely well at Hamburg so far this season, scoring four goals in 21 appearances for the German club.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Dean Jones, reported on February 4, 2026, that Bayern Munich have been impressed with Vuskovic.

Sources have told us that Tottenham plan to hold talks with the Croatia international defender over his pathway into the first team.

It has now emerged that Real Madrid, too, have Vuskovic on their radar and are keen on bringing him to Estadio Bernabeu.

According to Sports Boom, Real Madrid have been impressed by the scouting reports on the teenager and view the centre-back as ‘a generational candidate’.

Observers are also said to have described the Tottenham-owned centre-back as ‘the complete package for modern football’.

While Tottenham are not actively looking to sell Vuskovic, the report has claimed that last season’s Europa League winners will want at least €70m (£61.2m, $82.5m) for him.

Vuskovic has also publicly been on record saying that he would love to play for Real Madrid.

When asked if there is a club that he has wanted to play for since he was a kid that wasn’t Hajduk, Vuskovic told SportKlub in October 2025: “Well… Real Madrid is Real Madrid, but every club you play for is an honour and a privilege. I don’t have a special club other than Hajduk.”

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Real Madrid also target Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven

Vuskovic is not the only Tottenham player that Madrid have set their sights on.

According to Sports Boom, Romero is also on the radar of Madrid, who are determined to sign at least one new senior centre-back in the summer transfer window.

Our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, has reported that Romero is ready to leave Tottenham at the end of the season.

Sources have told us that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are keen on a 2026 summer deal for the Argentina international centre-back.

Spurs, though, do not want to sell Romero and have reassured the 27-year-old that they plan to make major signings in the summer transfer window.

Sources have also intimated to us that Tottenham will demand £70-£80 million (up to €92.7m, $109.5m) for Romero.

Our transfer insider, Dean Jones, reported on December 10, 2025, that Real Madrid would love to sign Micky van de Ven from Spurs.

However, like with Romero, Spurs do not want to sell Van de Ven and are in advanced talks over a new contract for the Netherlands international centre-back.

Sources have told us that Tottenham want at least £100million (€115.1m, $136.1m) for Van de Ven.

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Latest Real Madrid transfer news: Man Utd sale, Trent Alexander-Arnold offer

Meanwhile, a reputable Spanish source has named the centre-back that Real Madrid are keen on signing in the summer of 2026.

Real Madrid are said to be ‘willing’ to sell one of their best players to Manchester United and have set a price.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly given Lucas Bergvall an enticing valuation as Liverpool track the midfielder and two of his team-mates.

Bergvall made 12 appearances for Brommapojkarna before joining fellow Swedish club Djurgardens in February 2023. Bergvall quickly made a name for himself as one of the best teenage midfielders in Europe, prompting interest from some of the biggest clubs around.

Barcelona tried to sign the Sweden international but were surprisingly beaten to the deal by Tottenham, who finalised an £8.5million deal.

Bergvall joined Spurs in July 2024, and the transfer has proven to be a great piece of business. The 20-year-old is a classy performer who is on his way to becoming one of the Premier League’s top midfielders.

Bergvall is currently recovering from an ankle injury, though his stock remains very high.

According to Swedish outlet Fotboll Direkt, Spurs now value Bergvall at around £57m (€65m / $77m).

That is news which will alert several of Spurs’ Premier League rivals, most notably Liverpool.

Sources confirmed to us on Wednesday that Liverpool have entered the race for Bergvall’s potential capture.

The Reds have registered their interest in him and are closely monitoring developments in case there is an opportunity to pounce.

We understand Villa are also in the frame to snare Bergvall, who has been called a ‘genuine generational talent’ by Spurs’ head scout Rob Mackenzie.

On February 14, David Ornstein revealed that Spurs rejected enquiries from Chelsea and Villa for the starlet in January.

Spurs’ struggles could give Liverpool, Chelsea or Villa a better chance of signing him.

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Bergvall among three Liverpool targets

Confidence is low that interim manager Igor Tudor can turn things around, with Spurs currently sat in 16th place.

Falling out of Europe again would be a huge blow for the north London club.

Bergvall is incredibly one of three Spurs players Liverpool are interested in. It emerged earlier on Sunday that Arne Slot’s side have repeatedly sent scouts to watch defender Luka Vuskovic shine on loan at Hamburg.

Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have all been dazzled by Vuskovic’s form, too. Spurs value the centre-back at €60-70m (£52-61m).

Plus, we revealed on February 7 that Liverpool have identified fellow Spurs defender Micky van de Ven as a possible replacement for Ibrahima Konate.

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Fabrizio Romano has provided a follow-up to our exclusive regarding Darwin Nunez and his expected return to European football after just a single season in Saudi Arabia.

TEAMtalk and insider, Graeme Bailey, led the way 24 hours ago when breaking bombshell news on Nunez. The former Liverpool frontman only joined Al-Hilal last summer, but the shock signing of Karim Benzema in the winter window has thrust his future into serious doubt.

Benzema’s arrival has resulted in Al-Hilal omitting Nunez from their squad for the Saudi Pro League. With a limit on how many foreign imports a club can name in their squad, Nunez has unfortunately become the fall guy to make way for Benzema.

We revealed work to engineer a way out of Al-Hilal and take Nunez back to Europe has already begun.

Intermediaries are already beavering away behind the scenes, and both Tottenham and Newcastle have been spoken to.

What’s more, we understand Nunez – who currently pockets around £400,000-a-week in the middle east – is prepared to accept a substantial pay-cut to make a return to Europe financially viable for the buying side.

Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has weighed in with an update of his own, and per the reporter, “there will be movement” at season’s end.

He explained: “Darwin Nunez is going to be a big topic for the summer transfer window because he’s now out of the Al-Hilal squad for the Saudi Pro League, only playing the Asian Champions League.

“Darwin Nunez is not happy at all about the situation, he can’t be happy. He only joined a few months ago and now out of the squad in the Pro League.

“It’s a technical decision after Benzema joined, and you can imagine a big character like Nunez can’t be happy.

“So Darwin could be back to Europe in the summer, it’s a possibility. Follow the Nunez situation in the next months because there will be movements and there are several clubs already looking at that situation, from Europe and not only.

“It will be up to Darwin to decide. In Saudi the salary is completely different. In Europe it would be reduced, and so it’s up to Darwin to decide whether he wants to go somewhere where he can get big money still as he’s doing at Al-Hilal, or maybe go back to Europe [for less money].”

Romano concluded by declaring “there will be movement” for the Uruguayan in the summer.

Aside from Newcastle and Spurs, sources have told us to keep an eye on Atletico Madrid and Juventus too, with both sides confirmed admirers of Nunez.

A move to Atleti may hinge on the future of Julian Alvarez, who is the subject of a three-way battle between Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona.

Juve have their eye on Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee, but Nunez would offer a far more explosive option.

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Latest Tottenham & Newcastle news – Crippling exits aplenty…

In other news, Liverpool could capitalise on the uncertainty at Tottenham Hotspur by signing at least one of their players this summer, with sublime talent Luka Vuskovic having become the third star to appear on the Reds’ shortlist.

Elsewhere, Spurs sporting director, Johan Lange, has dropped a bombshell regarding Igor Tudor than won’t go unnoticed by Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi.

Liverpool could capitalise on the uncertainty at Tottenham Hotspur by signing at least one of their players this summer, with sublime talent Luka Vuskovic having become the third star to appear on the Reds’ shortlist.

Tottenham sacked Thomas Frank on February 11 after a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United left them down in 16th in the Premier League, five points above the relegation zone. Igor Tudor has since been appointed on an interim basis until the end of the season.

However, Tudor’s arrival was underwhelming for Spurs fans, given his mediocre pedigree.

The Croatian may have managed top clubs such as Marseille, Lazio and Juventus previously, but the only trophy he ever won came with Hadjuk Split back in 2013.

Spurs look set to go without European football next season, while there is even the possibility of them getting relegated to the Championship.

Their rivals are looking to pounce on the situation, with Sports Boom claiming Vuskovic is being closely monitored by Liverpool.

Both Liverpool and Manchester City have ‘dispatched special representatives throughout the season’ to watch the defender and ‘assess his adaptability to the English tempo.’

These scouts have been impressed as Vuskovic has shone while on loan at German club Hamburg. He has quickly established himself as one of their best players, while also notching three goals in the Bundesliga since the start of December.

The race for the centre-back is heating up, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also in the mix. Madrid see Vuskovic as a ‘generational’ talent, while PSG feel he is ‘perfect’ for Ligue 1.

The report claims ‘defensive artist’ Vuskovic could receive several ‘mega offers’ to leave north London at the end of the season.

Spurs see the 18-year-old as the ‘centrepiece’ of their defence’s future. They have therefore given him a huge €60-70m (£52-61m) price tag.

As previously mentioned, Vuskovic is not the only Spurs player Liverpool are keen on. We revealed on February 7 that fellow defender Micky van de Ven is also on Liverpool’s shortlist.

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Van De Ven, Bergvall also liked by Liverpool

The Reds would love to sign Van De Ven given his status as the quickest and one of the most dominant centre-backs in the Premier League.

The chances of Liverpool swooping for the Dutchman will increase if Ibrahima Konate leaves when his contract expires this summer.

Sources confirmed to us on Wednesday that Liverpool have joined Aston Villa in the race for talented Spurs midfielder Lucas Bergvall, too.

We understand Spurs see Bergvall as one of the finest young midfielders around and will set a price that should deter suitors.

David Ornstein revealed on February 14 that Spurs rejected enquiries from Chelsea and Villa for the Swede in January.

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