The Independent

Brighton have tabled a substantial £30 million bid for Tottenham's highly-rated Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic.

The 19-year-old is widely considered one of Europe's most promising young defensive talents, despite yet to make a senior appearance for Spurs since his 2023 move from Hajduk Split.

Vuskovic spent last season on loan at Hamburg in the Bundesliga, where he enjoyed a breakout year in senior football.

He featured 30 times across all competitions, including 28 league appearances, and also made his full international debut for Croatia.

His impressive form has earned him a spot in Zlatko Dalic’s 26-man squad for the World Cup, where he could potentially face England next week.

Prior to Hamburg, he also had loan spells with Westerlo in Belgium and Radomiak Radom in Poland.

The Seagulls' pursuit of Vuskovic comes as they continue discussions with Tottenham over the potential sale of fellow central defender Jan Paul van Hecke, for whom two bids have already been rejected.

Brighton have already moved to bolster their defensive options under Roberto De Zerbi, having secured the signings of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.

Robertson and Senesi have both arrived on free transfers after their contracts expired at Liverpool and Bournemouth, respectively.

Spurs are aiming to get back on track after narrowly escaping relegation on the final day of the 2025-26 season.

It was a torrid campaign for the north London club, which saw Spurs go through three managers after sacking Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor before finally settling on De Zerbi.

Meanwhile, Brighton want to bolster their own ranks ahead of their return to Europe after qualifying for next season’s Conference League.

It promises to be a busier season for Brighton due to their European commitments, and the potential signing of Vuskovic could set the club up well for another strong campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur have bolstered their defensive ranks with the signing of Marcos Senesi on a free transfer, marking another step in Roberto De Zerbi's ongoing squad overhaul.

The centre-back arrives in north London after his contract with Bournemouth expired at the close of the 2025-26 season.

Senesi, who made 128 appearances for the Cherries since joining from Feyenoord in 2022, opted against a new deal on the south coast to pursue a move to Spurs.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new challenge, Senesi stated: "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."

This acquisition aligns with De Zerbi's strategic vision for the club, particularly following his successful navigation of a relegation battle, where he secured 11 points from seven crucial matches.

The Italian manager had previously stressed the need for significant defensive investment and an overall squad overhaul, a directive that appears to be taking shape with Senesi's arrival.

Tottenham have conceded 122 goals across the last two Premier League seasons where they have finished 17th in back-to-back campaigns and the addition of ball-playing defender Senesi follows left-back Andy Robertson’s arrival on a free transfer.

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.”

Earlier on Wednesday it was announced Ben Davies had signed a new 12-month deal at Tottenham to extend his stay at the club into a 13th season.

Wales captain Davies only made five appearances during an injury-ravaged last season, but was praised by De Zerbi for his leadership during a tense and ultimately successful relegation battle in the Premier League.

Davies, who has appeared 363 times for Tottenham, was present for matches at Aston Villa and Chelsea before he helped with the team’s preparations before a final-day win at home to Everton.

However, Yves Bissouma will leave the club this summer when his contract expires on June 30.

Tottenham have had a second bid for defender Jan Paul van Hecke rejected, Brighton chief executive Paul Barber has revealed.

Spurs made a move for Dutch centre-back Van Hecke earlier this month after a terrible 2025-26 campaign where only a final-day win over Everton secured Premier League survival.

An opening bid by Tottenham for Van Hecke was rejected after it fell short of Brighton’s valuation for the 25-year-old and Barber has confirmed another offer has been rebuffed for a player set to be out of contract next summer.

“There’s always going to be a lot of interest in our best players and certainly in the case of Jan Paul,” Barber told talkSPORT.

“Again, we’ve been very clear that interest has been ongoing for a while. It’s coming from multiple sources.

“Yes, we have rejected a bid from Tottenham over the last week or so, in fact, two bids, so from that point of view, it has to be right for us as well as the player.”

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi worked with Van Hecke across two seasons at Brighton and the ball-playing central defender has since emerged as one of the best players in his position in the Premier League.

Spurs made their first move of the summer window on Friday with Scotland captain Andy Robertson brought in on a free transfer from Liverpool, it’s understood free agent Marcos Senesi is expected to follow suit.

Van Hecke is the next big target for Tottenham, who are eager to move quickly this summer to bolster a squad which has finished 17th in back-to-back seasons.

A firm run by American tech billionaire Brooklyn Earick have claimed they have agreed to buy most of Daniel Levy’s stake in Tottenham.

However, their surprise announcement came as news to ENIC, the club’s majority shareholders, and it is understood there has been no communication between Eight Sports Capital, Earick’s company, and ENIC.

Eight Sports Capital said they had signed a sale and purchase agreement to take a 24.99 percent stake in Spurs from former chairman Levy, who who stood down last September after running Tottenham for a quarter of a century.

Earick, a boyhood Tottenham fan who had expressed an interest in buying Spurs last year, is an engineer turned entrepreneur who used to work for NASA. He has now raised more than £25bn in funds, including from sovereign wealth funds.

He is the CEO of Redacted RnD, a Singapore-based venture capital company while Eight Sports Capital is a sports investment firm owned by Triller, who have also been involved in pay-per-view boxing, including Mike Tyson’s fight against Roy Jones Jr.

A spokesperson for Eight Sports Capital Limited stated: “We are delighted to have signed this agreement to acquire a significant stake in ENIC. We look forward to working with the club’s shareholders, management, staff, players and fans to support Tottenham Hotspur’s continued growth and success.”

However, ENIC remain Tottenham’s majority owners, with the Lewis family owning 70.12 percent. The billionaire Joe Lewis has been represented by his daughter Vivienne and her son-in-law, Nick Beucher, who have become prominent since Levy stood down, while Peter Charrington became chairman.

After Tottenham finished 17th for the second consecutive season, avoiding relegation on the last day of the Premier League campaign, they said in a statement they would not sell the club and promised investment.

Levy is yet to comment in public as to whether he is agreed to have sold his shares. If so, it would make him hundreds of millions of pounds, with Tottenham valued at around £3bn.

Thomas Frank will take a break from management after concluding this summer is not the right time to accept a new job.

The Dane, who was sacked by Tottenham in February, had been touted as a candidate for Fulham or Crystal Palace, but believes he needs more time to get the energy required.

Frank spent almost seven years in charge of Brentford, winning promotion in 2021 and twice earning top-half Premier League finishes, before his ill-fated seven-month spell in charge of Spurs.

He was dismissed with Tottenham 16th in the Premier League, though they had finished fourth in the Champions League’s group phase, but his achievements with Brentford had meant there was interest from other clubs in the last few months.

He said: "There have been conversations and opportunities since leaving Spurs, but I have decided not to rush into the next role. For me, this summer is not the right time to go back into management.

"When the time is right, I will look forward to my return as a manager, ready to embrace the job with great energy and dedication."

Frank will be a pundit during the World Cup but is also keen to taking time to try and learn from other managers and figures outside sport.

He explained: "Football remains a huge part of who I am, and I have chosen to use this time productively. Over the coming months, besides spending time with family and friends, I will continue studying, observing and learning from other leaders both within sport and beyond it.

"I am also looking forward to covering the World Cup for Danish television and the BBC, as well as experiencing the Tour de France. Time away from the touchline is allowing me to broaden my perspective and gather insights that I look forward to bringing into my next challenge.”

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Andy Robertson has joined Tottenham on a free transfer after his departure from Liverpool.

The 32-year-old Scotland captain was close to moving to Spurs in January after falling behind Milos Kerkez in the pecking order under former Reds manager Arne Slot, but has now sealed a move to the Lilywhites following the expiry of his contract at Anfield.

The first signing of manager Roberto De Zerbi ahead of an expected summer rebuild, the Italian 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."

Robertson’s immediate focus will be on captaining Scotland at this summer’s World Cup, but he will bring much-needed leadership at Tottenham once he officially joins a squad set for an overhaul after just escaping a humiliating relegation last term.

“I’m in America just now preparing for the World Cup, but I just wanted to send you a quick message to say I cannot wait to play for you guys,” Robertson said in a short video message from Scotland’s World Cup camp.

“I cannot wait to meet you guys, I cannot wait to play in the stadium for the first time in front of you and I’m already looking forward next season.”

Robertson became one of the world’s best left-backs after his bargain £8m from Hull City in 2017, collecting two Premier League winners’ medals while also lifting the Champions League as he won everything there was to win with Liverpool.

The Scot, made 378 appearances for the Reds during that time but was limited to just 11 Premier League starts last term.

He has long been admired at Tottenham with a winter move only collapsing after Liverpool failed to recall Kostas Tsimikas from Roma to provide cover, leading them to pull the plug.

But with Robertson becoming a free agent, Spurs have snapped him up with the defender officially joining the club on 1 July.

“We are delighted to welcome Andy to the club,” sporting director Johan Lange said.

"First and foremost, he is an outstanding left-back - one of the best of all time in the Premier League, and someone who will improve our squad.

"In addition, his quality, character and leadership have been evident throughout a career in which he has regularly competed for - and won - major honours.

"Andy's professionalism and commitment will also be invaluable to the development of our squad, and he shares our ambition and determination to bring success back to the Club.

"We are excited for Andy's new chapter with us and look forward to having him here after the World Cup."

Tottenham have had their opening bid for centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke rejected as Brighton resist an attempted transfer raid from former boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Dutch international Van Hecke has emerged as a key target for Spurs in a bid to bolster their defensive options, having worked with De Zerbi during the Italian’s time in charge on the south coast.

Van Hecke has since developed into one of the Premier League's most impressive defenders, attracting considerable interest, but as he enters the final 12 months of his contract at the Amex Stadium, there is an increased likelihood of a summer departure.

However, Tottenham’s first offer has been rebuffed after failing to meet Brighton’s valuation of the defender.

Beyond Van Hecke, De Zerbi is also targeting Seagulls goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and midfielder Carlos Baleba, hoping to use the stars of his former employers as the foundation of a rebuild at Tottenham.

There is naturally an acceptance they may not get all of those, which is why Spurs are also looking at Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi, Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and Manchester City’s James Trafford.

Tottenham are even considering a deal for John Stones in order to bring in some badly-needed leadership.

The club hierarchy are fully willing to back De Zerbi after negotiations that secured a “Hail Mary” appointment back in April to ultimately keep Tottenham in the Premier League. He naturally wants squad members that can quickly internalise his style, and sees the Brighton trio and “his players”.

There was an immediate recognition that lessons needed to be learned from their close shave with a first relegation in 49 years, with De Zerbi securing survival for Spurs with a final-day win over Everton.

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Lewis family vows not to sell Tottenham and insists ‘we are all in’ after fan protests

George Sessions

Wednesday 27 May 2026 11:32 BST

Tottenham Hotspur's majority owners, the Lewis family, have pledged to rebuild trust with disillusioned supporters and commit to significant change after the club narrowly avoided relegation on Sunday.

The club secured Premier League survival on the final day of the season with a 1-0 victory against Everton, following a tumultuous campaign that saw three different head coaches and widespread fan anger directed at the ownership.

In a letter to fans, the Lewis family acknowledged their "bitter disappointment" and accepted "ultimate responsibility" for the club's current predicament, assuring supporters that a rebuilding process has begun with substantial planned investment to instigate "deep" change.

The family affirmed their commitment to the club, stating they are "not selling the club" and insisting “we are all in” promising investment in teams, the academy, and backroom functions, with actions speaking louder than words.

Key changes include the departure of long-serving chairman Daniel Levy, a review of the club's medical department, and new appointments like performance director Dan Lewindon and director of football operations Rafi Moersen, with CEO Vinai Venkatesham tasked with rebuilding the football department.

Tottenham Hotspur's majority owners, the Lewis family, have pledged to rebuild trust with disillusioned supporters and commit fully to bringing about significant change, following two consecutive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League.

The club narrowly avoided a catastrophic relegation this season, prompting widespread fan anger directed at the ownership and chief executive.

The recent campaign saw Spurs secure a crucial 1-0 victory against Everton on the final day, ensuring their Premier League survival by a mere two points. This came after a tumultuous season that witnessed the club cycle through three different head coaches.

Fans have frequently voiced their frustration at Enic, the holding company run by the Lewis family, and CEO Vinai Venkatesham, particularly after a year of considerable upheaval.

The club's long-serving chairman, Daniel Levy, who had been the primary decision-maker for nearly a quarter of a century despite Enic's majority ownership, was invited to step down in September. This move followed an extensive review into the club commissioned by the Lewis family.

In a letter addressed to Tottenham fans, the Lewis family acknowledged their "bitter disappointment" with recent seasons and accepted "ultimate responsibility" for the club's current predicament. They assured supporters that a rebuilding process had commenced, with substantial investment planned to instigate "deep" change.

"To the fans, as owners of 25 years, we have lived the highs and lows of Spurs with you," the Lewis family stated in a message to the Press Association. "Finishing 17th this and last season does not reflect the stature or potential of this football club. We are bitterly disappointed and share your frustration. You, and we, expect more than this. We know this must never happen again."

They continued: "The problems we found were deeper than we realized and were allowed to build over the last few years. We know that has eroded trust and we have to win that back. As owners, we take ultimate responsibility for the situation in which the club finds itself.

“We also take responsibility for rebuilding Spurs. Our ambition is to recapture the spirit of the club and bring back the excitement, the fearlessness and the bold football we have always felt defined us. That means football comes first."

The family affirmed their financial commitment: "This will require investment – in our teams, the academy, our backroom functions and more – and we are fully committed to this. We are not selling the club. We are all in. We are investing in it. You will see more of this in the coming months.

“We care deeply about Spurs. The rebuilding the club needs, and you deserve, has begun. The change required is deep. It will take time and commitment, but change is happening. We know that actions will speak louder than words."

Significant injuries have plagued Tottenham over the past two seasons, leading to a review of the club's medical department, initiated by new performance director Dan Lewindon.

Lewindon is one of several key appointments supported by the Lewis family in the last year, alongside Rafi Moersen, who is set to join from City Football Group as director of football operations.

CEO Venkatesham, the first major hire by the Lewis family last April, has faced a challenging inaugural season. However, he retains strong internal support, having been tasked with rebuilding Spurs’ football department mid-season.

Venkatesham told BBC Sport: "The club had some serious challenges that it needs to address on the football side. We know what those are. We are addressing them. We are fixing them."