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Luka Vuskovic: Brighton make improved £45m bid for Tottenham defender

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Luka Vuskovic: Brighton make improved £45m bid for Tottenham defender - Sky Sports
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Brighton have made an improved offer to Tottenham Hotspur for centre-back Luka Vuskovic.

The latest package is worth £45m in total including add-ons.

Sky Sports News understands the Croatia international is keen on the move to the south coast.

Vuskovic spent last season on loan at Bundesliga club Hamburg and is currently at the World Cup with Croatia, where he played in the 4-2 defeat to England on Wednesday.

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Earlier this week, Spurs completed a £52m deal for Brighton defender Jan Paul Van Hecke.

The Netherlands international defender had one year left on his contract at Brighton and played at the Seagulls under Roberto De Zerbi between 2023 and 2024.

Brighton made a considerable profit on the 26-year-old, having signed him for £1.8m from NAC Breda in 2020. It is understood the Seagulls have also negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on clause.

Van Hecke is Tottenham's third signing of the De Zerbi era, after Marco Sensi and Andy Robertson joined on free transfers.

Spurs adding Van Hecke and Senesi to their ranks moves Vuskovic further down the pecking order, with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven still at the north London club.

Analysis: Is Vuskovic Spurs' version of Saliba?

Sky Sports News' Michael Bridge:

Vuskovic, who established himself as one of Europe's best young defenders on loan at Hamburg, wants to be a regular starter now but is not interested in another temporary move.

His prospects of being a first-team regular at Spurs next season appear slim now, with Van Hecke joining Senesi as a new signing this summer. If Van de Ven and Romero stay, Vuskovic will realistically be Spurs' fifth choice.

Romero's future is uncertain, just as it was last summer before he signed a new deal, but it remains to be seen if there are any clubs that would pay enough to convince Spurs to sell.

There is a real feeling at Spurs that Vuskovic could become one of the best defenders in the world but that he is not quite ready to make that step to being a regular starter in the Premier League.

There are parallels to the situation Arsenal had with William Saliba. The France international had three loans in Ligue 1 before being fully integrated into the first-team picture and becoming one of the Premier League's best defenders.

Spurs have plans to spend big this summer and, naturally, that will lead to player sales. However, in an ideal world, they will raise funds elsewhere on players who are not part of De Zerbi's future plans.

Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic says it is important that Vuskovic finds a club where he will play regularly. Spurs agree but can only offer a loan. Brighton can give the teenager what he wants but are unwilling to overpay. This situation could rumble on.

Barcelona join race to sign Van de Ven

Barcelona are among a number of clubs keeping an eye on Van de Ven's situation at Tottenham.

Van de Ven, who also has interest from the Premier League, has held initial talks with Spurs over a contract extension but there is no agreement yet.

The Netherlands international has two years left on his deal with Spurs holding an option to extend for a further 12 months.

Spurs want him to stay long-term, and De Zerbi has described him as the best left-sided central defender in the Premier League.

Brighton to start new season live on Sky Sports

Brighton start their 2026/27 Premier League season at home to Aston Villa on August 23, live on Sky Sports.

The Sunday 2pm kick-off at the Amex Stadium comes just three days after their Conference League play-off round first leg, with their opponents for that European tie to be decided on August 3.

The Seagulls then face a tricky first away game of the season as they visit Chelsea on Saturday August 29, although that date is likely to change with the second leg of that European play-off scheduled for August 27.

In full: Brighton's 2026/27 Premier League fixtures

Fabian Hurzeler's side face rivals Crystal Palace for the first time in the new season on October 17 at home.

The return game at Selhurst Park on May 15 starts a tough final three matches of the season as Brighton host Liverpool the following week on May 23 before ending the campaign at defending champions Arsenal on May 30.

But the game at the Emirates Stadium may well not be Brighton's last of the season - if they were to reach the Conference League final, then the south coast side would be in action on June 2 in Istanbul.

Spurs get Brentford in opening day fixture

Tottenham begin their 2026/27 Premier League season with a trip to Brentford on August 22, live on Sky Sports.

The Saturday 5.30pm kick-off at the Gtech Community Stadium will be the start of Roberto De Zerbi's first full season in charge of Spurs, who escaped relegation last season after a second consecutive 17th-placed finish.

In full: Tottenham's 2026/27 Premier League fixtures

Following the season-opening London derby, Tottenham host Newcastle in their first home game of the season on August 29.

The trip to Stamford Bridge to face London rivals Chelsea is on October 24.

The first north London derby of the season against Arsenal will be at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 5.

The return game at the Emirates Stadium is on May 1, marking the start of a tricky end to the season for Tottenham.

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Brentford: Premier League 2026/27 fixtures and schedule

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Brentford: Premier League 2026/27 fixtures and schedule - Sky Sports
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Brentford kick off the 2026/27 season by hosting Tottenham Hotspur at the Gtech Stadium on the opening Super Sunday of the campaign, live on Sky Sports.

The Bees entertain west London rivals Chelsea on Saturday September 19, before a tricky-looking run of fixtures at the end of November and into December against Man Utd (a), Arsenal (h), Man City (h) before a derby at Fulham.

In full: All the 2026/27 Premier League fixtures

Get the latest Brentford news & transfers with the Sky Sports app

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Keith Andrews's side start the new year with a night game at champions Arsenal on Wednesday January 6, while city rivals Fulham make the short trip across the capital to the Gtech at the end of April.

Brentford face a tough conclusion to their campaign with testing visits to both Man City and Liverpool on May 1 and 15 respectively, before a final-day clash at west London rivals Chelsea.

Brentford's 2026/27 Premier League fixtures

All fixtures subject to change.

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

Follow the new Premier League season with Sky Sports!

Sky Sports is the home of domestic club football in the UK & Ireland and will broadcast over 1,500 live matches across the Premier League, WSL, EFL and Scottish Premiership next season.

Sky Sports will show a minimum of 215 live Premier League matches in 2026/27.

Sky Sports has first pick of matches each week and will continue to show multiple games at 2pm on Sunday on a number of weekends.

Sky Sports subscriber? You'll be able to watch all our live football straight from the Sky Sports app.

Not got Sky Sports? Upgrade to Sky Sports if you're already a Sky customer, or check out our latest offers.

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The key dates of Liverpool's 2026-27 season

August 23: Premier League campaign starts

August 27: Champions League league phase draw

September 8-10: Champions League league phase starts

January 9: FA Cup third round

January 27: Champions League league phase ends

February 16: Champions League knockout phase begins

March 21: Carabao Cup final

May 22: FA Cup final

May 30: Premier League season ends

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Tottenham: Premier League 2026/27 fixtures and schedule

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Tottenham: Premier League 2026/27 fixtures and schedule - Sky Sports
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Tottenham begin their 2026/27 Premier League season with a trip to Brentford on August 22, live on Sky Sports.

The Saturday 5.30pm kick-off at the Gtech Community Stadium will be the start of Roberto De Zerbi's first full season in charge of Spurs, who escaped relegation last season after a second consecutive 17th-placed finish.

Following the season-opening London derby, Tottenham host Newcastle in their first home game of the season on August 29.

In full: Tottenham's 2026/27 Premier League fixtures

In full: All the 2026/27 Premier League fixtures

Get the latest Tottenham news & transfers with the Sky Sports app

Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream the Premier League with no contract

The trip to Stamford Bridge to face London rivals Chelsea is on October 24.

The first north London derby of the season against Arsenal will be at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 5.

The return game at the Emirates Stadium is on May 1, marking the start of a tricky end to the season for Tottenham.

Their final five games of the season include the visit to Arsenal, home games against Chelsea (May 8) and Manchester United (May 23), with the final match of the season at Aston Villa on May 30.

Tottenham's 2026/27 Premier League fixtures

All fixtures subject to change.

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

Follow the new Premier League season with Sky Sports!

Sky Sports is the home of domestic club football in the UK & Ireland and will broadcast over 1,500 live matches across the Premier League, WSL, EFL and Scottish Premiership next season.

Sky Sports will show a minimum of 215 live Premier League matches in 2026/27.

Sky Sports has first pick of matches each week and will continue to show multiple games at 2pm on Sunday on a number of weekends.

Sky Sports subscriber? You'll be able to watch all our live football straight from the Sky Sports app.

Not got Sky Sports? Upgrade to Sky Sports if you're already a Sky customer, or check out our latest offers.

Want even more flexibility? Check out NOW TV, which offers day or month membership options contract-free so customers can cancel anytime.

The key dates of Tottenham's 2026/27 season

August 22/23/24: Premier League campaign starts

January 9: FA Cup third round

March 21: Carabao Cup final

May 22: FA Cup final

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Jan Paul van Hecke: Tottenham sign Brighton defender for £52m

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Tottenham have signed Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke for £52m. - Sky Sports
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Tottenham have signed Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke for £52m.

The Netherlands international defender had one year left on his contract at Brighton and played at the Seagulls under Roberto De Zerbi between 2023 and 2024.

Brighton are making considerable profit on the 26-year-old, having signed him for £1.8m from NAC Breda in 2020. It is understood Brighton have also negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on clause.

Van Hecke is Tottenham's third signing of the De Zerbi era, after Marco Sensi and Andy Robertson joined on free transfers.

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Tottenham news & transfers | Newcastle news & transfers

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The club is determined to back De Zerbi in the market and have a strong interest in Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, while they also remain interested in Manchester City forward Savinho.

Van Hecke signing a reward for De Zerbi

Sky Sports' Michael Bridge:

This is total commitment in De Zerbi and you could also say a reward for keeping Spurs up. He has been given full control and has the final say on transfers.

With Van Hecke, they are getting a defender who is comfortable on the ball, much like Marcos Senesi, and excels at taking opposition players out of the game.

Yes, it's a big price. To put it simply, it's the player De Zerbi asked for.

A lot of people will be wondering about Cristian Romero. On his day, he is one of the best defenders in the world. But, that's on his day. He is playing about 50 per cent of the time because of injuries and suspensions. There was plenty of speculation over whether he would watch his team in the final game of the season.

If a big offer comes in for Romero, they will consider it. They key is whether they get a big offer.

Analysis: De Zerbi's transfer plan clear at Spurs

Sky Sports' Sam Blitz:

You don't need to be a rocket scientist to work out what Tottenham are trying to do in this transfer window: Roberto De Zerbi is looking for centre-backs who are better on the ball.

In agreeing a deal for Van Hecke - having already secured the free transfer of Marcos Senesi - Spurs are looking for excellent ball progressors in the first phase of play.

In Senesi and Van Hecke, De Zerbi is targeting two of the Premier League's best in this specific area. These were the top two players in the league last season for bypassing defenders by passing the ball.

Quite simply, they are able to soak up pressure at the back and take opposition players out of the game by putting the ball through the lines.

Under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, Senesi was used to a very direct, vertical style of play where he would punch the ball through the thirds quickly.

Van Hecke, meanwhile, is accustomed to De Zerbi's intense style of play having played 50 matches under the Italian during their time together at Brighton.

That work has been built on by Fabian Hurzeler. "It helps that the coach I had here before was De Zerbi because he integrated this style of play," Hurzeler said in 2024 when asked about his defenders playing out from the back in dangerous areas.

Spurs getting two ball-playing defenders is a sign that this is something they feel they lack. The numbers back that up. Senesi and Van Hecke are a level above Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in terms of passing ability.

What will it mean for Spurs' current centre-halves?

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Sandro Tonali transfer news: Man City consider move for Newcastle midfielder who is also wanted by Tottenham

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Sandro Tonali transfer news: Man City consider move for Newcastle midfielder who is also wanted by Tottenham - Sky Sports
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Manchester City are weighing up a move for Tottenham target Sandro Tonali as well as continuing their pursuit of Elliot Anderson.

Spurs want the Newcastle midfielder to be their marquee signing this summer, but they could face competition from City, who are working to rebuild their midfield for incoming boss Enzo Maresca after Pep Guardiola decided to step down at the end of the 2025/26 season.

Tonali, who has a contract until 2029, is expected to command a huge fee, with Newcastle unwilling to sell the Italy international.

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Man City latest news

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Tonali has been a long-term target for City, but it was initially unclear if they would consider moving for him and Anderson in the same window.

However, Sky Sports News understands City are interested in the possibility of doing deals for both players.

City remain in talks with Nottingham Forest for Anderson for a transfer that is set to cost more than £100m. They have already had one bid rejected.

City need to replace Bernardo Silva, who joined Real Madrid on Wednesday on a free transfer, while there have also been reports that Rodri is wanted at the Bernabeu.

Tottenham also want to sign Tonali this summer, with the Italy international a top target for Roberto De Zerbi as he looks to rebuild his squad after helping the club avoid relegation from the Premier League.

One of Spurs' top priorities this summer is improving the technical ability of the squad and bringing in a midfielder who can dictate play. Tonali has been identified by De Zerbi as an ideal candidate for that role.

Why Spurs want Sandro Tonali - and Newcastle do not want to let him go

Tottenham news & transfers | Newcastle news & transfers

The Italian will have a big say on transfers this summer and a move for Tonali would underline Spurs' commitment to backing De Zerbi, and their promise to spend significantly on improving the squad.

Tonali's current deal, signed in 2024 when he was serving a 10-month gambling ban, does not include a release clause, which puts Newcastle in a strong negotiating position.

Sky Sports News reported in April there was a general understanding that Tonali - along with Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento - may like a new challenge this summer. Gordon has already signed for Barcelona in a £69m transfer.

Spurs have secured the free agent signings of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, while a deal to sign Jan Paul van Hecke for £52m has also been agreed.

Tonali is one of the Premier League's best midfielders and has also been high on the lists of Arsenal and Manchester United.

In a summer when midfielders are already coming at a premium, City's move for Anderson, which is expected to cost north of £100m, is likely to have a knock-on effect for other deals.

Man City's summer transfer plans

Manchester City still need to resolve the compensation for Enzo Maresca to become their head coach but have not let that stop them from making transfer moves this summer as they work on the mega-signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

Anderson could cost in the region of the £125m Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak last summer as Forest hold out for a British-record transfer. City still have work to do once their top midfield target is signed, with plans to add a striker and a right-back.

City want to bring in another forward to support star striker Erling Haaland and have Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi on their list of targets. RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande is also liked but there is a huge amount of competition for the 19-year-old.

For the right-back position, City have been closely monitoring Feyenoord's Givairo Read to provide extra competition for makeshift defender Matheus Nunes. Newcastle's Tino Livramento is another full-back City have previously been interested in.

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Tottenham transfer news: Spurs' Luka Vuskovic dilemma as two Brighton bids rejected after Jan Paul van Hecke deal agreed

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Spurs agree Van Hecke deal - Sky Sports
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Tottenham have a dilemma on their hands with Luka Vuskovic after rejecting two offers from Brighton for the teenage centre-back.

The 19-year-old, who established himself as one of Europe's best young defenders on loan at Hamburg, wants to be a regular starter now but is not interested in another temporary move.

Brighton's latest offer was for £35m and Sky Sports News understands that they will not go back in with a fresh proposal immediately despite agreeing a deal to sell central defender Jan Paul van Hecke to Spurs for £52m on Tuesday.

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Vuskovic's prospects of being a first-team regular at Spurs next season appear slim now, with Van Hecke set to join and Marcos Senesi already signed this summer. If Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero stay, Vuskovic will realistically be Spurs' fifth choice.

Romero's future is uncertain, just as it was last summer before he signed a new deal, but it remains to be seen if there are any clubs that would pay enough to convince Spurs to sell.

There is a real feeling at Spurs that Vuskovic could become one of the best defenders in the world but that he is not quite ready to make that step to being a regular starter in the Premier League.

There are parallels to the situation Arsenal had with William Saliba. The France international had three loans in Ligue 1 before being fully integrated into the first-team picture and becoming one of the Premier League's best defenders.

Spurs have plans to spend big this summer and, naturally, that will lead to player sales. However, in an ideal world, they will raise funds elsewhere on players who are not part of De Zerbi's future plans.

Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic says it is important that Vuskovic finds a club where he will play regularly. Spurs agree but can only offer a loan. Brighton can give the teenager what he wants but are unwilling to overpay. This situation could rumble on.

Spurs agree Van Hecke deal

The deal for Van Hecke is believed to be around £52m and the player has expressed his desire to play under 'father figure' Roberto De Zerbi.

The centre-back only wanted to join Tottenham.

The Netherlands international defender has one year left on his contract at Brighton and played under De Zerbi between 2023 and 2024.

The Seagulls would be making considerable profit on the 26-year-old, having signed him for £1.8m from NAC Breda in 2020. It is understood Brighton have negotiated a 20 per cent sell on clause in the move.

The signing is part of a huge few weeks planned at Tottenham, with the club determined to back De Zerbi in the market and major changes planned.

The club have a strong interest in Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, while they also remained interested in Manchester City forward Savinho.

Van Hecke signing a reward for De Zerbi

Sky Sports' Michael Bridge:

This is total commitment in De Zerbi and you could also say a reward for keeping Spurs up. He's kept the club up and now he's been given full control and has the final say on transfers.

With Van Hecke, they are getting a defender who is comfortable on the ball, much like Marcos Senesi, and excels at taking opposition players out of the game.

Yes, it's a big price. To put it simply, it's the player De Zerbi asked for.

A lot of people will be wondering about Cristian Romero. On his day, he is one of the best defenders in the world. But, that's on his day. He is playing about 50 per cent of the time because of injuries and suspensions. There was plenty of speculation over whether he would watch his team in the final game of the season.

I think if a big offer comes in for Romero, they will consider it. They key is whether they get a big offer.

Analysis: De Zerbi's transfer plan clear at Spurs

Sky Sports' Sam Blitz:

You don't need to be a rocket scientist to work out what Tottenham are trying to do in this transfer window: Roberto De Zerbi is looking for centre-backs who are better on the ball.

In agreeing a deal for Van Hecke - having already secured the free transfer of Marcos Senesi - Spurs are looking for excellent ball progressors in the first phase of play.

In Senesi and Van Hecke, De Zerbi is targeting two of the Premier League's best in this specific area. These were the top two players in the league last season for bypassing defenders by passing the ball.

Quite simply, they are able to soak up pressure at the back and take opposition players out the game by putting the ball through the lines.

Under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, Senesi was used to a very direct, vertical style of play where he would punch the ball through the thirds quickly.

Van Hecke, meanwhile, is accustomed to De Zerbi's intense style of play having played 50 matches under the Italian during their time together at Brighton.

That work has been built on by Fabian Hurzeler, who told Sky Sports in 2024: "It helps that the coach I had here before was De Zerbi because he integrated this style of play," when asked about his defenders playing out from the back in dangerous areas.

Spurs getting two ball-playing defenders is a sign that this is something they feel they lack. The numbers back that up. Senesi and Van Hecke are a level above Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in terms of passing ability.

If Spurs end up getting both players, what will it mean for Spurs' current centre-halves?

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Jan Paul van Hecke: Tottenham agree deal for Brighton defender worth £52m

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Jan Paul van Hecke: Tottenham agree deal for Brighton defender worth £52m - Sky Sports
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Tottenham have agreed a deal with Brighton to sign defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

The deal is believed to be around £52m and the player has expressed his desire to play under 'father figure' Roberto De Zerbi.

The centre-back only wanted to join Tottenham.

The Netherlands international defender has one year left on his contract at Brighton and played at The Seagulls under De Zerbi between 2023 and 2024.

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Brighton would be making a serious profit on the 26-year-old, having signed him for £1.8m from NAC Breda in 2020.

The signing is part of a huge few weeks planned at Tottenham, with the club determined to back De Zerbi in the market and major changes planned.

The club have a strong interest in Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, while they also remained interested in Manchester City forward Savinho.

Van Hecke signing a reward for De Zerbi

Sky Sports' Michael Bridge:

This is total commitment in De Zerbi and you could also say a reward for keeping Spurs up. He's kept the club up and now he's been given full control and has the final say on transfers.

With Van Hecke, they are getting a defender who is comfortable on the ball, much like Marcos Senesi, and excels at taking opposition players out of the game.

Yes, it's a big price. To put it simply, it's the player De Zerbi asked for.

A lot of people will be wondering about Cristian Romero. On his day, he is one of the best defenders in the world. But, that's on his day. He is playing about 50 per cent of the time because of injuries and suspensions. There was plenty of speculation over whether he would watch his team in the final game of the season.

I think if a big offer comes in for Romero, they will consider it. They key is whether they get a big offer.

Analysis: De Zerbi's transfer plan clear at Spurs

Sky Sports' Sam Blitz:

You don't need to be a rocket scientist to work out what Tottenham are trying to do in this transfer window: Roberto De Zerbi is looking for centre-backs who are better on the ball.

In agreeing a deal for Van Hecke - having already secured the free transfer of Marcos Senesi - Spurs are looking for excellent ball progressors in the first phase of play.

In Senesi and Van Hecke, De Zerbi is targeting two of the Premier League's best in this specific area. These were the top two players in the league last season for bypassing defenders by passing the ball.

Quite simply, they are able to soak up pressure at the back and take opposition players out the game by putting the ball through the lines.

Under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, Senesi was used to a very direct, vertical style of play where he would punch the ball through the thirds quickly.

Van Hecke, meanwhile, is accustomed to De Zerbi's intense style of play having played 50 matches under the Italian during their time together at Brighton.

That work has been built on by Fabian Hurzeler, who told Sky Sports in 2024: "It helps that the coach I had here before was De Zerbi because he integrated this style of play," when asked about his defenders playing out from the back in dangerous areas.

Spurs getting two ball-playing defenders is a sign that this is something they feel they lack. The numbers back that up. Senesi and Van Hecke are a level above Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in terms of passing ability.

If Spurs end up getting both players, what will it mean for Spurs' current centre-halves?

Source

Sandro Tonali: The view from Tottenham and Newcastle as Spurs target Magpies midfielder for summer transfer

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Sandro Tonali: The view from Tottenham and Newcastle as Spurs target Magpies midfielder for summer transfer - Sky Sports
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Tottenham want to sign Sandro Tonali this summer - but they will have a big task on their hands if they are to lure the Newcastle midfielder away from St James' Park.

The Italy international is a top target for Roberto De Zerbi as he looks to rebuild his Tottenham squad after helping the club avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Newcastle would only consider selling Tonali, who has a contract until 2029, for a huge fee. The Italian's current deal, signed in 2024 when he was serving a 10-month gambling ban, does not include a release clause, which puts Newcastle in a strong negotiating position.

Here, Sky Sports News reporters Mark McAdam and Michael Bridge offer views from both camps...

Tottenham want Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali

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The Spurs view: A statement of intent

Sky Sports News' Michael Bridge:

"This is a real statement of intent from Tottenham Hotspur.

"A few weeks ago, Vinai Venkatesham and non-executive chairman Peter Charrington were releasing statements that Spurs will be busy in the next few windows, starting with this summer, and they will be backing De Zerbi.

"De Zerbi is probably the most hands-on head coach Spurs have had for some time. Spurs have the director of football model but the message is clear - De Zerbi wants big signings and they are in for a big player.

"Newcastle United would probably look for around maybe the £80m mark, maybe even more.

"But you look at Arsenal, Declan Rice is a £100m bargain. He's elevated them on so many levels and Tonali would elevate Tottenham's midfield to a number of levels as well.

"But they've gone guns blazing already. Marcos Senesi is a really good signing, Andy Robertson brings extra leadership to the backline and the changing room.

"They want Jan Paul van Hecke at Brighton, they like [Man City's] Savinho. They're looking to make some big changes because their message was clear - they never want to be down at the bottom again.

The Newcastle view: It would take a seismic offer

Sky Sports News' Mark McAdam:

"There are a number of suitors in the Premier League for Tonali. There are a lot of teams in European circles as well that like him, but there are very few that can probably get to where Newcastle would like to be financially.

"We know that Manchester City have been one of those sides that have kept an eye on him over the course of the last few months and Arsenal are also big fans of Tonali, but this is a blockbuster deal.

"For Newcastle to sell, which they don't want to do because he's their prized asset, it would have to be a seismic offer.

"They won't want to lose someone who is so instrumental to that midfield. One of the big things about Tonali, not only is he very technically gifted, but he can play in multiple positions and that's an area of concern for Tottenham.

"They want a midfielder that can command through the middle, who's very good on the ball and can make things happen - that's exactly the missing piece that De Zerbi wants."

Why would Tonali chose Spurs over staying at Newcastle?

Sky Sports News' Michael Bridge:

"Firstly London would probably be a factor. Maybe he feels like he's had a good few years at Newcastle and would like the change.

"I don't think Newcastle fans would mind me saying it was hard for him to leave Italy when he did join the club. That doesn't mean he's not given 110 per cent since and Newcastle fans would say 'we've stuck by him through certain situations he's had'.

"But with Tottenham, you can't get away from the fact that players still come to this club and when Spurs were in relegation problems, you couldn't get away from it… you can see the reaction from the club that they mean business and they don't want to be anywhere near there again."

'An interesting summer ahead for Newcastle'

Sky Sports News' Mark McAdam:

"It will be a really interesting summer in the North East. I liken it to when Eddie [Howe] first went to the football club in November 2021.

"That January in 2022 was a transformational window. It was an opportunity to recruit, to sign; it was the start of a new era and they had to rebuild Newcastle United.

Your Premier League club's summer transfer plans

"It feels like this is another window that's going to see a complete refresh in the squad and a different transfer philosophy. They'll be looking for younger players.

"You saw last summer they're signing players at £50m, £60m, £70m, they were linked with [Bryan] Mbeumo and [Benjamin] Sesko - these are big players who command big wages and the transfer fees are huge as well.

"It's not going to be like that at Newcastle. They're going to have to shop in a different circle, they don't have European football to worry about and the types of players they're going to be looking at are going to be younger, cheaper but players that they can mould and develop into Newcastle superstars and that's going to be the remit.

"Newcastle fans have to adjust their expectations ever so slightly this season. The first person who has high expectations is Eddie Howe. He will say 'I want to be in the top half of the table at minimum, I want to be challenging for European football, I want to have Champions League campaigns, I want to get to the latter stages of cup competitions, but I understand that we're at the start of a new journey so therefore we have to be a little bit careful'."

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