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Tottenham: Roberto De Zerbi has new plan for Will Lankshear in pre-season return

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for Will Lankshear to return from his loan spell at Oxford United ahead of pre-season, sources have told Football Insider.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed an impressive loan spell with the Championship club and has recently spoken about how much he loved his time at the U’s.

Spurs have been tracking his progress closely and now plan for him to return to the club before they make any decisions about his long-term future.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Roberto De Zerbi is keen to assess Lankshear when he returns for pre-season training.

This comes amid ongoing uncertainty about Tottenham’s squad as they fight for Premier League survival ahead of what could be a crucial transfer window for Spurs.

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Could Will Lankshear stay at Tottenham next season?

Football Insider reported on 7 May that Lankshear could be part of De Zerbi’s plans and is working his way towards a return to Spurs thanks to his loan displays.

His loan spell at the Kassam Stadium ended alongside the conclusion of the Championship season, and he will next feature for Tottenham during pre-season.

De Zerbi is planning to assess his level before the start of next season before making a decision about where his future may lie despite interest from elsewhere.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “There’s a number of clubs that are keeping tabs on Lankshear because of how well he did at Oxford on loan.

“Lankshear’s very highly regarded at Tottenham, they feel that he’s got a real chance of making a breakthrough there as well.

“Obviously no decision will be taken on his long-term future until Tottenham have clarity on which division they’re going to be in for next season as well.

“He will go back to Tottenham for pre-season and he’ll be hoping to impress Roberto de Zerbi in pre-season when he will have a chance to show what he can do.

“But until Tottenham know where they’re going to be, there’ll be no decisions made on any players.”

Which clubs are interested in signing Lankshear?

While Spurs plan to assess Lankshear’s situation upon his return from his loan spell, there are a number of clubs across England hoping to lure him away.

After a successful spell in the Championship, there have been a number of clubs in the second tier looking to lure him away since the January window.

Football Insider revealed in March that Tottenham rejected offers for Lankshear from the likes of Ipswich and Middlesbrough during the mid-season window.

They instead allowed him to remain settled and continue his progress at Oxford, but the interest in his signature is not believed to have faded.

Meanwhile, Premier League clubs including Leeds United have been linked with moves for the striker with a big decision set to be made by De Zerbi.

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Tottenham: £300m ENIC injection required as ‘difficult times’ lie ahead

Tottenham’s ownership need to invest up to £300million into the club to turn their fortunes around next season.

That is the view of former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, who states that their next two Premier League fixtures will have a big say on the future direction of the club.

Spurs could suffer Premier League relegation for the first time, though they have a two-point gap over 18th-placed West Ham ahead of their final two games.

Roberto De Zerbi has made an impact during his time in the dugout, but the Italian will know that he likely needs more points away to Chelsea and at home to Everton to secure Spurs’ safety.

Relegation would be financially disastrous for Spurs, and would mean a total rebuild of their squad this summer.

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‘Seriously big investment’ required at Tottenham this summer

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – states that Spurs need to put all their focus into their final two Premier League fixtures before moving forward.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness is looking to Spurs’ owners to help support the club financially.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “There’s going to have to be some seriously big investment in Spurs.

“Spurs right now, cash wise, have got some question marks. The ownership are going to have to put in a very, very big chunk of cash, in terms of equity, to be able to do this.

“They’re going to have to put in something like £300m, at least, to try and turn things around and deliver a squad that can go forward. It’s difficult times, and they’ve got to get through the next two games. So let’s just focus on that.

“Spurs are using every bit of good news they can get to try and keep the fans positive, and give them a thread to hang on to. But we all know the reality. The next two games is where it’s at.”

Expert predicts Tottenham to be active this summer

Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Spurs are planning to spend big in the summer transfer window.

Whilst Spurs may need to replace some key players this summer, the club want to strengthen their squad in the hope that they could challenge for the European places next season, if they remain in the Premier League.

One ambitious target is Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, currently on loan at Barcelona, although his wages could prove to be a stumbling block.

The club will look to sign a new goalkeeper and midfielder this summer, whilst they could agree a permanent deal for Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich.

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Tottenham would have to follow through with their ambitious transfer plans if the club remain in the Premier League.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, who believes Spurs are pushing positive transfer stories to the fans as a “distraction” for their troubles on the pitch.

Defender Micky van de Ven is the latest star who is reportedly happy to commit his future to Spurs, should they avoid relegation to the Championship, even though the likes of Liverpool hold interest in his signature this summer.

Spurs do hold a two-point gap over 18th-placed West Ham heading into the final two matches of the season, but Roberto De Zerbi’s side face tough fixtures against Chelsea and Everton.

Transfer plans at Tottenham will be decided by the outcome of the relegation battle, with De Zerbi faced with a busy first summer window as manager of the club either way.

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Tottenham would have to pay ‘big money’ to keep Micky van de Ven

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – would not dismiss van de Ven signing a new contract at Spurs.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness though believes that Spurs are playing a “dangerous” game putting positive stories out into the media.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Spurs are putting out a lot of press stuff right now.

“They’re getting themselves connected with all sorts of top players if they’re going to come in, if they stay up. Micky van de Ven is going to re-sign. They’re giving such a positive spin on everything that they’re going to stay up.

“It’s almost like a distraction tactic, and they’re giving people hope. It’s dangerous. Micky van de Ven, look, he may do because Spurs will have to pay big money to keep players like that.

“They can’t have a repeat of this season, but the way that they’ve been trying to distract the fans, in my view, is very dangerous because they’re going to have to follow through on this for next season.”

Tottenham keen to tie defender down to new contract

One player that Spurs are desperate to keep hold of this summer is 19-year-old centre-back Luca Vuskovic.

The Croatian has had a positive loan spell in Germany with Hamburg this season, and Spurs could face a battle keeping hold of him this summer.

Sources have told Football Insider that Spurs will not consider the sale of Vuskvoic under any circumstances this summer, and are preparing to offer him a new deal to stay at the club.

Vuskovic is expected to play a greater part at Spurs next season under De Zerbi and be part of their long-term plans.

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Tottenham Hotspur will not consider a sale of young centre-back Luka Vuskovic under any circumstances this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Lilywhites are fearful of losing some of their key defenders this summer, and are already planning for the 19-year-old starlet to step into the shoes of any centre-backs who depart.

Selling Vuskovic is not even viewed as an option behind the scenes in North London at the moment, despite the growing interest from the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Tottenham’s relegation battle will heavily impact their summer transfer business, and a fall into the Championship is seen as the only way that Vuskovic may move elsewhere this summer.

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Tottenham have lucrative package ready for Luka Vuskovic

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Tottenham are preparing a lucrative new deal for Vuskovic, in a bid to try to fend off the interest from some of Europe’s elite in the coming months.

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The Lilywhites are ready to “pull out all the stops” in their attempts to tie the starlet down to an eye-watering long-term deal, after he has shone in his loan spell with Hamburg this season.

The defender has always been seen as a huge star for the future at Hotspur Way, but Roberto De Zerbi and the coaching staff are now ready to throw him in at the deep end next term.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have both been subject to significant interest from elsewhere over the course of the campaign, and Vuskovic is being lined up to step in if either of that duo depart.

Tottenham have several talented young players on the verge of breaking into the first-team squad, and next year looks set to be the campaign where many of them are given a chance to impress.

However, that all hinges on the team securing their survival in the Premier League in the coming weeks, as failure to do so would prompt even more uncertainty heading into the window.

Spurs backed to seal Marcus Rashford transfer amid ‘big’ summer spending

Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider earlier this week that Tottenham will spend “big” in the market this summer if they avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The football finance expert outlined that the Lilywhites will have big ambitions in the coming months to ensure that they do not find themselves in a similar situation next term, and he backed them to land Marcus Rashford as part of that.

Borson suggested that a move for Rashford makes sense from a financial perspective for Spurs, and added that the player himself will have “very limited” options if a permanent switch to Barcelona doesn’t materialise.

The England international has revitalised his career in his loan spell in Spain this term, and Tottenham are looking to take advantage of the Catalans’ financial issues to swoop in for a deal.

Borson feels that could form part of a concerted effort to splash out on heavy transfer fees and wages this summer, as he pointed out that they simply cannot afford a third successive season of struggle.

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Tottenham Hotspur will turn towards other central midfield targets if they fail to get a permanent move for Joao Palhinha over the line this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Lilywhites are now planning for the eventuality that the Portuguese’s stay in North London doesn’t become permanent, and they are working to assess their other options.

Spurs are adamant that they want to add at least one new centre-midfielder to their squad ahead of next season, regardless of which league they end up in for 2026-27.

The recruitment team are already beginning to explore that market in the event that a deal cannot be struck with Bayern Munich for Palhinha to remain at the club permanently.

The exact details of Tottenham’s midfield transfer plans will hinge on the outcome of their relegation battle, but there is no doubt that they will add numbers in that area of the pitch this summer.

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Joao Palhinha future ‘out of Tottenham’s hands’

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that Palhinha’s future is now “out of Tottenham’s hands,” as links over a move to Sporting CP continue to intensify.

The possibility of a return to his boyhood club is understood to be open for Palhinha due to personal reasons, which would leave Spurs awaiting his own decision before they could proceed towards a deal.

Bayern Munich are adamant that they will not be keeping the 30-year-old, while Tottenham have shown a keen interest in negotiating a lower fee than their initial £25million purchase option.

Roberto De Zerbi has already made it clear that he values the veteran’s leadership and wants to keep him around as part of his group for next term, but his future is beyond the club’s grasp at the moment.

Palhinha’s own desires at this stage of his career are set to dictate whether he will return to his homeland ahead of next season, or whether he is still keen to stay in the Premier League.

He has been in and out of the Tottenham team throughout the campaign, but De Zerbi has trusted him to start some of their crucial games in recent weeks.

Spurs to ‘pull out all the stops’ for new contract

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Spurs are working hard to get Luka Vuskovic to sign a lucrative new contract to extend his stay in North London.

The 19-year-old centre-back is attracting interest from some of the world’s biggest clubs after an eye-catching loan spell with Hamburg this term, but Tottenham are desperate to avoid a sale.

Vuskovic is already believed to be on a sizeable contract with the capital club, but they are now set to “pull out all the stops” to get him to agree a fresh deal this summer.

The Croatian is seen as a player who could become a superstar for the Lilywhites long-term, but it looks set to be a pivotal summer for his future.

Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Liverpool have all been sniffing around the starlet of late, and there are plenty of other clubs waiting to pounce if he makes noises about moving.

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Tottenham Hotspur could agree a deal to sign Marcus Rashford if they remain in the Premier League this season.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider Spurs are planning to spend “big” on new signings this summer following their disappointing campaign.

Rashford’s future depends on whether Barcelona decide to take up their option to sign him permanently from Manchester United.

The England international has spent this season on loan with the Catalan giants, who have a £26million option-to-buy clause as part of the deal.

However, Tottenham are interested in signing Rashford if a move to Barcelona fails to materialise over the coming weeks.

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How Tottenham could agree Marcus Rashford deal

Tottenham remain in a relegation battle heading into the final two games of the season, with Roberto De Zerbi’s side sitting just two points above 17th-place West Ham.

Spurs’ plans for the summer transfer window hinge completely on securing their top-flight status as relegation to the Championship would have a devastating impact on the club.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed whether Tottenham could sign Rashford this summer.

“It’s realistic from a financial perspective,” said Borson.

“Whether the player wants to go, I don’t know. But he’s going to have very limited options if Barcelona decide that they don’t want to do the deal.

“Spurs will invest substantially if they do stay up. I would think this summer you will see a marked difference from the way that they’ve dealt with things before. They will spend more money on higher wages and more money in transfer fees.

“They cannot have a third season where they’re in relegation trouble. You just can’t do it. It will destroy the underlying value of the club, so I can see them spending big.”

Why Rashford’s wages present potential stumbling block

Rashford is keen to remain at Barcelona after spending the campaign with Hansi Flick’s side.

However, the 28-year-old’s wages do present a potential stumbling block due to the La Liga club’s financial issues.

Rashford is on £325,000 a week, with his deal at Old Trafford running until June 2028.

The forward has enjoyed a strong spell with Barcelona this season, having registered 14 goals and 14 assists in 47 appearances.

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James Maddison ‘should be charged’ as Tottenham star takes swipe at Leeds controversy – Ex-refs chief

James Maddison could be facing a fine or suspension after taking to social media to share his opinion on Tottenham Hotspur‘s recent draw.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Tottenham star is likely to be questioned by the FA Disciplinary Department very soon.

It was an emotional night for the 29-year-old on Monday, 11 May, who returned to the field against Leeds United for the first time in over a year, and nearly had a telling impact in the closing stages.

In the 14th minute of added time, Jarred Gillett and VAR waved away calls for a dramatic late penalty, only for Maddison to be left furious, as Tottenham could only draw 1-1 with Leeds in North London.

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James Maddison could face ‘fine or suspension’ for social media message

The former Leicester City man clearly felt disgruntled by the decision, taking to Instagram after the game to accuse Premier League officials of being “petrified to make decisions because of VAR”.

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That could now land the player in some very hot water.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “This post will be reviewed by the FA Disciplinary Department, which will determine if it brings into question the integrity of the referee.

“If they decide that it does, he will be written to and asked for his observations, which then may result in a charge, and if found guilty, may result in a fine or suspension.

“In my opinion, it does question the match official’s integrity, and he should be charged, but watch this space.”

Premier League Match Centre contradicts Tottenham star

Maddison really believes that he was fouled inside the penalty area, suggesting that the “tiny touch” seen in the incident actually came off his own foot rather than Nmecha.

That is not what VAR saw, however, with the Premier League Match Centre writing on X, “The referee’s call of no penalty to Tottenham Hotspur was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Nmecha played the ball.”

Victory would have taken the Lilywhites four points clear of the relegation zone, but with West Ham losing to Arsenal in dramatic circumstances, Roberto De Zerbi’s side should still secure safety.

Maddison’s return to the pitch has provided the team with a much-needed boost, and he could have a key impact in the remaining two games against Chelsea and Everton.

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Tottenham Hotspur are in ongoing talks over a lucrative new contract for centre-back Luka Vuskovic, sources have told Football Insider.

The Lilywhites are fielding interest in the 19-year-old from several of Europe’s top clubs after an impressive loan spell at Hamburg, but they are working towards tying him down.

Spurs are keen to sweeten the starlet’s current deal in North London as a reward for his drastic progress this term, and sources say that they are ready to “pull out all the stops” with their offer to him.

The North Londoners have always planned for the centre-back to become one of their key first-team stars, but they are potentially facing a battle to keep him this summer.

Tottenham’s transfer plans are set to hinge on the outcome of their relegation battle in the coming weeks, and that will also have a major impact on Vuskovic’s future.

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Tottenham desperately trying to fend off Luka Vuskovic interest

Vuskovic has long since been earmarked for a big future at Tottenham, and he almost did enough to break into their first-team squad this term.

The Croatian impressed for the Lilywhites during their pre-season campaign, but Thomas Frank ultimately made the decision for him to head out on loan to the Bundesliga to get further experience.

He has since excelled during his time in Germany and has even managed to score six league goals across his 27 appearances for Hamburg so far.

Vuskovic has played a vital role for Merlin Polzin’s side as they have remained well clear of the relegation zone after their promotion last term, and that has naturally attracted attention from Bayern Munich.

Barcelona have also been continually linked with the starlet, while Football Insider revealed last week that Liverpool are also fighting for Vuskovic’s signature.

Tottenham have no intention of sanctioning a sale of the youngster this summer, but they are also aware that they need to seriously sweeten the deal for him if he is to be content with staying put.

Their attempts to hand him a substantial new deal are a clear acceptance of that, while they are hugely keen to have Vuskovic involved in their plans for next season.

Spurs line up Vuskovic amid Micky van de Ven exit latest

Football Insider revealed last week that Liverpool are still keen to sign Micky van de Ven, with the Reds viewing the Dutchman as an ideal long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from North London in recent months, with some of the world’s biggest clubs showing an interest in prising him away from Spurs.

His exit has begun to look increasingly likely heading into the latter stages of the campaign, and Vuskovic is being lined up to potentially step into his shoes if he moves on ahead of next term.

The starlet’s potential is viewed as being sky-high behind the scenes at Tottenham, who are desperate to ensure that he doesn’t go on to realise that potential at another club.

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Joao Palhinha could snub a permanent move to Tottenham Hotspur in favour of a move to Sporting CP this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Portuguese has been heavily linked with a return to his homeland in recent days, and it is understood that he may favour that move for personal reasons in the coming months.

Spurs want to keep the midfielder, with Roberto De Zerbi a big admirer of his, but sources have indicated that the 30-year-old’s future is now “out of Tottenham’s hands.”

Palhinha will be sold by Bayern Munich this summer, but his next move is set to depend almost entirely on his own desires at this stage of his career.

Tottenham have the option to buy Palhinha at the end of his loan spell, but the player’s stance could potentially take a deal out of their reach.

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Tottenham trying to agree reduced fee for Joao Palhinha

Palhinha has endured mixed fortunes during his loan spell with Tottenham this season, as he has moved in and out of the starting XI on several occasions throughout the campaign.

He began the season as a key figure under the guidance of Thomas Frank, and caught the eye as the Lilywhites made an impressive start under the Dane.

However, the former Fulham men then fell away during the latter stages of Frank’s reign, and then came in for criticism from supporters during Igor Tudor’s ill-fated stint in charge.

He has since become a key figure once again under De Zerbi in recent weeks, with the Italian in no doubt that he wants Palhinha’s leadership as part of his group for next term.

Football Insider revealed at the start of May that Tottenham want to negotiate a cut-price deal for Palhinha this summer, rather than triggering their option to buy him for around £25million.

Bayern Munich are likely to be receptive to that idea as they aim to get him off their books, but Sporting’s interest could yet throw a spanner in the works.

Spurs prepare new contract for starlet

Football Insider revealed on Monday that Tottenham are working on a new contract for Luka Vuskovic, as the centre-back continues to attract major interest ahead of the summer window.

The 19-year-old is being tracked by several of the world’s elite clubs after an impressive loan spell with Hamburg this term, and Spurs are facing a battle to keep him even if they stay up.

The North Londoners have no desire to lose the youngster this summer, and they are prepared to offer him an improved deal to convince him to stay, despite the fact he is already under contract until 2030.

Vuskovic is seen as a player with potential to become a truly world-class talent at Tottenham, and that has attracted an array of potential suitors for him of late.

Nevertheless, Spurs remain adamant that they cannot afford to lose him, although that could yet be taken out of their hands of they slip into the Championship.

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Keith Hackett has confirmed that the officials were right not to give Tottenham Hotspur a late penalty in their 1-1 draw against Leeds United.

With tensions high at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs were pushing for a very late winner.

The club is still embroiled in a relegation battle with West Ham going into the final matches of the season.

While the winner never came, Spurs were adamant that they should have had a late penalty when James Maddison went down in the box.

However, Jarred Gillett disagreed, with VAR late confirming his decision in what was a chaotic Spurs match.

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Keith Hackett: Referee right not to give Tottenham late penalty

In the dying minutes of added time, Maddison looked to skip past Lukas Nmecha inside Leeds’ box.

However, under challenge, the Spurs attacker fell to the floor, with his teammates quickly surrounding the referee calling for a penalty.

However, he disagreed, and VAR were quick to confirm his decision, with Nmecha seemingly getting a slight touch on the ball during the challenge.

Upon reviewing the footage, Hackett has insisted that the officials have come to the right decision, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the challenge was not worthy of a spot kick.

He said: “Looking closely at replays, the defender has played the ball. The attacker not in possession has gone to ground too easily.

“Match officials got this one right.”

Tottenham search on for first Premier League penalty of the season

Hackett has previously told Football Insider that Tottenham have been unlucky not to be awarded a penalty this season.

Games such as their defeat to West Ham in January should have seen spot kicks potentially awarded.

Two potential penalties were waved away by the officials and VAR, despite the technology reviewing both incidents.

These decisions could still help contribute to Tottenham’s relegation this season if West Ham are able to overtake them in the final two games of the campaign.

Spurs are one of two sides not to be awarded a penalty this season, with the other being Aston Villa.

It remains to be seen if they are able to break this streak in the final matches of the campaign as they look to confirm their place in the Premier League for the 2026-27 season.

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