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Tottenham want to sign Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer.

The Italy international is a top target for Spurs boss 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.

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Tonali has been identified by De Zerbi as an ideal candidate for that role.

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.

Newcastle would only consider selling Tonali, who has a contract until 2029, for a huge fee. They do not want to lose him.

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 that 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.

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

As it stands, City and United have prioritised other midfield targets. City are in talks with Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson, while United have agreed a deal for Ederson with Atalanta and are now pursuing West Ham's Mateus Fernandes.

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.

Spurs' summer transfer plans

Tottenham have got to work early on rebuilding their squad by signing centre-back Marcos Senesi and left-back Andy Robertson on free transfers. Spurs still want to add another defender and are pursuing Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke.

Brighton have made a £30m bid for Spurs' teenage centre-back Luka Vuskovic. The 19-year-old, who established himself as one of Europe's top young defenders on loan at Hamburg, is keen to move to Brighton, but Spurs are unlikely to accept the current deal on the table.

As mentioned, Spurs are looking to create a squad capable of playing in the style of De Zerbi and finding a central midfielder who can dictate play is a key part of the plan.

Spurs have been searching for a winger to replace Heung-Min Son for a year but have so far been unsuccessful, failing with moves for Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo. Man City's Savinho is one of the players on their list this summer.

De Zerbi also wants to bring in another striker, perhaps with the ability to play across the whole front line, to give him a variety of options in case Spurs' injury crisis does not let up next season.

Spurs may also need to sign another goalkeeper if Guglielmo Vicario returns to Italy. Juventus have him on their list as they evaluate a potential transfer, while Inter were previously interested. Antonin Kinsky kept the No 1 spot for the run-in under De Zerbi.

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Brighton have made a £30m bid for Tottenham's teenage centre-back Luka Vuskovic.

The 19-year-old, who is at the World Cup with Croatia, established himself as one of the world's best young defenders while on loan with Hamburg last season.

Vuskovic's performances in Germany earned him a place in the Bundesliga team of the season, with the player scoring six league goals, more than any other central defender in Germany's top flight.

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Spurs first agreed a deal to sign Vuskovic from Croatian side Hajduk Split in the summer of 2023 in a move that saw him join the Premier League club last summer, before heading out on loan to Hamburg.

Roberto De Zerbi's side are pursuing Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who worked under the Tottenham boss when he was in charge of the Seagulls.

The north London club have already confirmed the signing of Marcos Senesi on a free, which will be sealed once his contract with Bournemouth expires on July 1.

If successful in signing Van Hecke, as well as Senesi, Spurs would have at least four centre-backs who would be considered first-choice options in a season when they do not have European football.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have been the starters at Spurs when fit, while Kevin Danso stepped up in captain Romero's absence at the end of the season after an injury kept him out for the run-in.

De Zerbi will have the final say on all of Spurs' transfers this summer.

Brighton reject second Spurs bid for Van Hecke

Brighton last week rejected a second bid from Tottenham for centre-back Van Hecke, according to Seagulls chief executive Paul Barber.

The Netherlands international defender has one year left on his contract at Brighton after moving from NAC Breda for an initial fee of £1.8m in 2020.

"Yes, we have rejected a bid from Tottenham over the last week or so. In fact, two bids," Barber told talkSPORT at the weekend.

"There is always going to be a lot of interest in our best players and certainly in the case of Jan Paul.

"We have been very clear, that interest has been ongoing for a while. It is coming from multiple sources.

"We have to be in a position to make the best trades to suit our model and also to make sure that we're supporting Fabian [Hurzeler], because he's got another big season ahead of him."

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: De Zerbi is looking for centre-backs who are better on the ball.

In making a bid for Van Hecke - while also agreeing a free transfer for Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi - Spurs are looking for excellent ball progressors in the first phase of play.

In Senesi and Van Hecke, De Zerbi has targeted 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 Romero and 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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Marcos Senesi has signed for Tottenham on a free transfer from Bournemouth.

The Argentina defender will officially join the club on July 1 when his contract at Bournemouth expires.

The centre-back played 128 times for Bournemouth in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing 10 assists over four seasons.

LaLiga and Serie A sides tabled offers for Senesi but he wanted to stay in the Premier League and was keen on a move to London.

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Senesi said on making the switch to north London: "It's a very special feeling to be a Tottenham Hotspur player.

"From the first moment, the club has shown why they want me and how much they want me to be a part of what they are building. It's exciting and something I can't wait to be involved in.

"Every time I step on the pitch, I will do my best to make the fans proud and to take the Club back to the place it belongs. I want to win things with Tottenham and will do everything I can to make that happen."

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi said: "Marcos' experience, quality on the ball, and competitive edge will strengthen us defensively, as well as giving us flexibility in formation.

"He's comfortable playing in a possession-based team, reads the game very well and has the personality to thrive in a demanding environment.

"I also love his mentality and desire to keep improving and I'm looking forward to working with him and seeing the big contribution he can make to the team."

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Tottenham have confirmed the signing of defender Andy Robertson on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old will sign for Spurs on July 1 once his contract at Liverpool comes to an end.

Reds supporters waved farewell to Robertson after the 1-1 draw with Brentford on the final day of the Premier League season.

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Tottenham avoided relegation to the Championship by a margin of two points, with Roberto De Zerbi now beginning to strengthen his squad with the aim of ensuring they avoid a similar struggle next season.

Marcos Senesi, another player approaching free agency as his contract at Bournemouth winds down, could also be confirmed as a Spurs player in the coming few weeks.

Talks have also taken place over the signing ofn Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, and Spurs remain interested in Manchester City forward Savinho after failing to secure his signing last year due to Pep Guardiola deciding to keep the Brazilian.

Robertson joined Liverpool from Hull in 2017 and was an instrumental part of the squads that won the Premier League in 2019/20 and 2024/25 and the Champions League in 2018/19 and 2021/22.

The Scotland captain was wanted by Atletico Madrid last summer, but no move materialised.

De Zerbi: I have admired Robertson for years

Speaking after Robertson's arrival was confirmed, De Zerbi said: "Andy is someone I've admired for a number of years and he will bring outstanding technical qualities, experience, leadership and mentality to our team.

"He is a proven winner at the highest level over a long period and is someone who can be a big player for us, both on and off the pitch.

"I can't wait to start working with him and seeing the positive impact he will have on everyone around him."

Spurs in talks to sign Van Hecke from Brighton

Tottenham are in talks with Brighton over the signing of centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.

Reports elsewhere claim an opening bid from Spurs has been rejected.

The Dutch international has one year left on his contract at Brighton and worked at the south coast club under current Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Brighton signed Van Hecke from NAC Breda for an initial fee of £1.8m in 2020.

It could have been so different if Spurs didn't make the change and appoint Roberto De Zerbi.

The Italian was always confident he would keep Spurs up, but as West Ham secured a late win over Everton, just as Xavi Simons was being stretchered off with an ACL injury, many feared the worst.

To his huge credit, he remained genuinely confident in the final weeks and fully deserves the opportunity to rebuild Spurs in his own way.

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That rebuild is well under way. Andrew Robertson's signing has been confirmed and a deal for Marcos Senesi should also be confirmed in a few weeks when his Bournemouth contract expires. Interest remains in Manchester City's Savinho after Spurs failed to land him last year as Pep Guardiola decided to keep the Brazilian.

The winger is reportedly very keen on the move and feels he's not had enough opportunities to show his qualities in Manchester.

Spurs over the last two seasons have been too easy to beat. It is little surprise their first two signings are likely to be at the back, and they could be joined by Jan Paul van Hecke as talks with Brighton continue after an initial bid was rejected.

Brighton are tough negotiators but with a year left on his contract, this could be one that goes the way of the north London side. De Zerbi holds a close bond with many of his ex-Brighton players and has said to me they're his children.

With the potential incomings, some will leave, too. Radu Dragusin wants first-team football but with no Europe, a move away this summer is considered possible. Plenty in Serie A have showed tentative interest. If the fee was right that wouldn't be a difficult deal to do.

The same cannot be said for the club captain Cristian Romero. The 'will he' or 'won't he' attend the final match was an unwelcome distraction with relegation on the line and there are some who feel this summer might be the right time for the Argentine to move on if a suitable offer was received.

De Zerbi said he understood the fans' anger "100 per cent" when asked about his potential absence for the final home game.

On his day, there aren't many better than Romero. I saw first hand just how much he wound up Harry Maguire in the Europa League final. He has the bite and nastiness never really associated with Spurs. But the red cards and injury record mean there is a question mark over his future and perhaps it was a slight surprise he signed a contract extension last season.

There are many supporters who feel Romero has more than one eye on Argentina most of the time and isn't fully committed to Spurs. He would deny this, of course, and was a passionate spectator in home matches against Leeds and Everton.

De Zerbi says Micky van de Ven is the best left-sided defender in the league. The Netherlands defender was growing frustrated prior to De Zerbi's appointment but enjoyed the last two months under him. He has three years left on his deal and would take a big offer to tempt Spurs.

One of De Zerbi's biggest decisions will be a player who's yet to play a competitive game for the club yet has interest from many of Europe's top clubs: Luka Vuskovic.

Last season, the Croatian enjoyed a brilliant season on loan at Hamburg and scored six goals in a season of invaluable development in one of the main leagues in Europe.

To some, it's a no brainer he's integrated into the first-team squad but there are some who feel one more loan would do him good in the long run. No European football might be the deciding factor. It's a good problem to have for De Zerbi.

This summer the message is clear. Spurs wanted De Zerbi and they're prepared to back him. Previous window failings lead to scepticism from supporters, but it's been a busy start to a transfer window that has yet to officially open.

Encouraging signs...

Tottenham are in talks with Brighton over the signing of centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.

Reports elsewhere claim an opening bid from Spurs has been rejected.

The Dutch international has one year left on his contract at Brighton and worked at the south coast club under current Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Brighton signed Van Hecke from NAC Breda for an initial fee of £1.8m in 2020.

Last week, Sky Sports News revealed Spurs are edging closer to the free signing of Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, while they are hopeful on completing a deal for January target Andy Robertson, who has left Liverpool.

Spurs edging closer to Senesi deal and hopeful on Robertson

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Tottenham are also considering making an offer for Manchester City's Savinho. Spurs have been very interested in signing the winger since last summer.

No direct approach to City has yet been made but Sky Sports News understands one could come in the next few days.

Tottenham also want a central midfielder who can pass from deep, and are among the clubs who like Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough.

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 making a bid for Van Hecke - while also edging closer to a free transfer for Bournemouth's 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?

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player