GiveMeSport

Tottenham's pre-season is in full flow as they prepare for their first pre-season under Roberto De Zerbi.

It's an opportunity for many players to try to impress the new manager, with fringe players looking to break into the manager's thinking and young stars hoping to make it at senior level.

The pre-season fixtures are a great opportunity for De Zerbi to try new things, giving youngsters chances to impress and fringe players the opportunity to prove themselves.

That's especially prevalent in the opening weeks of pre-season, when some players are given extra time off due to participating in the World Cup.

Spurs have just named a 35-man squad to head to New Zealand and Australia for some pre-season fixtures, and that squad includes a host of young talent.

Tottenham youngster impressing De Zerbi

One of the young players who is believed to have impressed De Zerbi so far is 21-year-old forward Jamie Donley.

According to reliable reporter Alasdair Gold, Donley has impressed De Zerbi and has looked really fit and sharp during training.

“Understand Jamie Donley has impressed Roberto De Zerbi so far in pre-season and there's a very good chance that he'll get off on the tour to New Zealand and Australia.

“I can see why - another player that I've followed over the years, interviewed over the years, got a lot of time for.

“He's got a lot of ability, a bit of a wand of a left foot, and I can see why De Zerbi would like him because he can be an 8, he can be a 10, obviously De Zerbi being a former 10 himself.

“He's very creative, apparently he's looked really fit and sharp in training as well.”

It has now been confirmed that Donley is part of the Tottenham squad to head to New Zealand and Australia, which shows how much he's impressed the manager so far.

Whether that will lead to the 21-year-old forward sticking around next season remains to be seen, but it looks as though he's certainly giving himself a chance.

A host of young players named in Tottenham squad

Donley certainly isn't the only Tottenham youngster who has been given an opportunity to impress on their pre-season tour.

With it being a huge 35-man squad and Spurs still having injuries and players on international duty, there's a real opportunity for many of the academy stars.

Among those are Damola Ajayi, Dane Scarlett, Luca Williams-Barnett and Mason Melia.

The full list can be seen below.

Cristian Romero's time as a Tottenham player is "100 per cent" expected to come to an end this summer.

Amid much speculation about his future, the Spurs skipper looks on course to bid farewell and secure a move elsewhere prior to the summer transfer deadline.

Tottenham have already strengthened in defence for Roberto De Zerbi ahead of the 2026/27 season, thus raising question marks over Romero's long-term future in the process.

Spending £52m on the addition of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion, the club have also secured Marcos Senesi on a free transfer from Bournemouth.

The pair join Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Ben Davies as centre-back options, with Kota Takai and Ashley Phillips also available to the boss as things stand right now.

Romero is now expected to leave as part of the defensive reshuffle and a return to Serie A could be on the cards.

Romero's next destination

Inter Milan are set to meet with Romero's agent this week to discuss a move to the Italian giants, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking on a live stream on X, the transfer expert went into depth about the Argentina international's Tottenham future, why he will 100 per cent leave and what comes next for him.

"So, for Cuti Romero, the expectation for me is 100 per cent for him to leave Tottenham," stated Romano. "Tottenham have been very clear with Cuti, with his camp and Cuti has been very clear with Tottenham. So that's a mutual decision for Cuti Romero. It's time to move on. It's time to go.

"Also because Tottenham have Micky van de Ven who is not leaving. There were reports on Liverpool, reports on Barcelona, but nothing is going to happen because Van de Ven is absolutely untouchable for Roberto De Zerbi.

"Then there is Marcos Senesi, new signing, Van Hecke, new signing. Danso he's staying, so Tottenham will not include Cuti Romero as part of their squad for the upcoming season.

"Inter are there. Inter will try. My understanding, the news I broke in the morning, is that Inter will meet the agent of Cuti Romero this week. So there will be a meeting between Inter and Cuti Romero to try and understand if they can reach an agreement on personal terms."

What next for Tottenham in defence?

Tottenham look set in defence for the new season due to their quick moves in the transfer market, thus paving the way for Romero to move on.

Van de Ven and Van Hecke will be expected to be the first choice centre-back pairing, with Senesi and Danso acting as cover for the Dutch duo.

Long-serving defender Davies remains at the club and is a centre-back option as well as a choice at left-back, while Archie Gray can also play there if there is a real shortage in the position.

Tottenham will need to decide on what is best for Takai and Phillips going into the new campaign, with the latter linked with a permanent transfer to Middlesbrough after Championship loan spells in each of the past three seasons.

Supporters got their first glimpse of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali in Tottenham action on Wednesday evening as they beat MK Dons 1-0.

In the behind-closed-doors match at the club's Hotspur Way training base, Fernandes grabbed the headlines with his stunning volley from outside the area finding the top corner with only three minutes on the clock.

Fans are now desperate to see more of the Tottenham summer signings in action, with the club now heading off to New Zealand and Australia for their first pre-season tour under Roberto De Zerbi.

The hope will be that more new additions are to follow in the weeks ahead, joining fellow summer signings Martin Dubravka, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, Fernandes and Tonali at the club.

Tottenham are one of several interested clubs in Real Madrid youngster Franco Mastantuono, according to Argentine publication Cronica.

The former River Plate ace only joined Los Blancos for £38.5m in June 2025 but a temporary move away from the Santiago Bernabeu could be in order to increase his playing time.

The 18-year-old, described as 'one of the biggest talents in world football' by Florentino Perez, who can play as either a right-winger or attacking midfielder, featured in 23 LaLiga games last term, 11 of which came from the start.

With a loan move without a purchase option now looking likely, Real Madrid are not going to be short on options for their teenager as they assess the best club to continue Mastantuono's education.

According to Cronica, Fulham are the main interested party and Tottenham have reportedly initiated contacts to find out the conditions of a possible loan deal.

Juventus, Inter Milan, Como, Porto, Benfica, Sporting CP, Villarreal, Rennes, Lyon, Monaco, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig are also believed to be interested in the Argentina international.

Attacking boost

Tottenham now need to improve on their options in attack going into the new season after upgrading their defence and midfield.

Another option on the right-wing would be beneficial to De Zerbi, especially with Wilson Odobert currently sidelined with an ACL injury and question marks over Dejan Kulusevski's return date after more than a year on the sidelines.

Mohammed Kudus will be targeting a big year on the right after only making two appearances in 2026 due to injury, with Mathys Tel an option to play there if he's not playing from the left.

Manor Solomon and Yang Min-hyeok are further right-wing options, although transfers away for the pair could come to fruition as they find themselves way down the pecking order.

Mastantuono, who scored three goals for Real Madrid last season, would give De Zerbi further choice on the right if signed and he would also be a contender to play centrally as an attacking midfielder as well.

Tottenham Hotspur have been extremely busy in the transfer market this summer already, with plenty more work still to be done on Roberto De Zerbi's squad ahead of the start of the 2026/27 season.

Six players have arrived at the club this summer - Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.

But eight players have also departed, with a couple of youngsters from the academy - and potentially a few more to follow - leaving the club for pastures new as De Zerbi makes radical changes to a squad that has finished 17th in the Premier League two seasons in a row.

Tottenham set to make big money from departures

Much has been made of Spurs' £237million transfer splurge so far in the window, but the Lilywhites have made good money from the sales of Luka Vuskovic, Will Lankshear, Alfie Devine, Alejo Veliz and the loan with an obligation to buy of Radu Dragusin. By the time all add-ons are met, they could recoup more than £100million from those exits alone.

And there are some big-money exits still to be agreed, with the likes of Cristian Romero and Guglielmo Vicario expected to depart the club before the transfer window closes.

Tottenham head out to New Zealand and Australia for a pre-season tour today, with their first game against Auckland on Sunday, before matches with Sydney FC and then Chelsea in Australia.

De Zerbi has named a 35-man squad for the trip to the southern hemisphere, but there were a few names conspicuous by their absence from the list.

World Cup stars Romero, Senesi, Porro and Spence, who all reached the final four of the tournament, are still on holiday, so not part of the squad, while Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matara Sarr have interestingly been given more time off, despite going out of the competition at the same time or before van Hecke and Netherlands teammate Micky van de Ven, who have both returned to training already and are part of the pre-season tour squad.

Injured stars Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odobert have been left at home to continue their rehabilitation, but Vicario was also not part of the travelling party.

Spurs goalkeeper Vicario expected to leave this summer

The Italian has been linked with a move back to Italy, with Inter Milan and Juventus both keen on signing him this summer. Spurs are looking to make a profit on the 29-year-old, whom they signed for around £17.2million in 2023, with £20million understood to be the asking price.

A transfer is not yet close, however, and Vicario has not been left at home to explore opportunities away from the club, as has been revealed about players in previous seasons. Instead, the goalkeeper is staying behind to work on a "minor knock in training" and will stay in England to undergo treatment.

A transfer away from the club is still expected to be negotiated this summer and if it was a minor knock for a player expected to be part of the first team squad in 2026/27, he may well have travelled anyway.

Lucas Bergvall is another who has been linked with a move away from the club, but he is part of the travelling squad.

Last season's relegation scrap has been put firmly behind Tottenham Hotspur and they are going all out to hand Roberto De Zerbi a team ready to challenge for Europe.

Sandro Tonali arrived from Newcastle United for a club-record £100 million and Mateus Fernandes joined from West Ham United for £85m. Spurs' transfer chiefs have also refreshed in defence with Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.

The Lilywhites aren't done there as they look to add a new attacker to De Zerbi's squad. Speculation grows over Richarlison's future and Dominic Solanke's injury record means he can't be fully relied upon.

Tottenham Handed New Leao Conditions

Rafael Leao has been on Tottenham's wishlist for over a month but there has been a gap in valuation between the club and AC Milan. The Portuguese attacker has made clear he wants to leave the San Siro and take on a new challenge.

Spurs face competition from Turkish giants Galatasaray, who are also eyeing Leao. But he isn't thought to be fully convinced on a move to Turkey, and a Premier League switch might be more enticing.

Italian outlet Calciomercato reports that the North Londoners and Aston Villa have noted down the terms of a potential deal but neither have moved. They are exploring other options as things stand although Milan may have handed them something to ponder.

The Rossoneri are insisting on a €60 million (£51m) asking price, but could be open to a loan deal with easily achievable conditions to trigger an obligation to buy. That might tempt Spurs, who wouldn't have to pay a transfer fee now and can wait until next summer.

A Loan Could Be Perfect

Leao, dubbed "magic", has been one of Serie A's top attacking talents during his time at the San Siro. The 27-year-old managed nine goals and three assists in 29 league games last season.

If it's versatility that De Zerbi is after, the Portugal international is ideal as he can play out wide and centrally. If there's a chance of signing him on loan initially, that could prove a clever way to look to further invest in attack amid links to Bournemouth's Junior Kroupi.

The fee itself isn't too unreasonable given he still has two years left on his contract. He's the kind of player who can help fire Spurs back into Europe and competing for major honours.

Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on a Tottenham Hotspur star who could be available for £40 million this summer.

The Reds aren't splashing as much cash as they did last summer when they spent a record £446m. Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz became Liverpool's two most expensive signings in history and they were expected to successfully defend their Premier League title.

That didn't happen and a fourth-placed finish saw Arne Slot dismissed a year after delivering top-flight glory. With Andoni Iraola now in charge, the Reds' transfer chiefs are tasked with ensuring he has a squad that can compete on all fronts.

Liverpool 'Seriously Looking' at Djed Spence

Iraola has been keen to add a new left-back to his squad following Andy Robertson's departure. The Scot headed to Tottenham after his contract expired.

With Robertson heading to Spurs, there are serious doubts over Djed Spence's future with the Lilywhites. He enjoyed a stellar World Cup campaign but Roberto De Zerbi is thought to be open to selling him.

Journalist Dave Davis has now claimed that Liverpool are huge admirers of the 25-year-old. He told the Anfield Index YouTube channel: "We went digging on this and Djed Spence is absolutely a player that Liverpool are looking at. That’s our info now. Liverpool absolutely are having a serious look at Djed Spence."

Spence was a standout performer for England during the World Cup, growing as the tournament progressed and displacing Nico O'Reilly. His versatility allows him to operate at right-back and left-back and this is something that the Reds appreciate.

Davis added: "He can play right-back and left-back at the same time, which means you just wonder, you know, you sell [Kostas] Tsimikas, and then you’ve got right-back and left-back cover there in Djed Spence."

Spence has failed to become a regular starter at Spurs and Robertson's arrival has only further jeopardised his chances of game time. Inter Milan have been showing interest in the defender and have reportedly been in talks with his entourage.

Liverpool Need to Decide if Price is Right

Davis mentioned the likelihood of Spence costing £40 million following his exploits at the World Cup. That fee has been mentioned before, and while it isn't exactly cheap, it is understandable given his age and qualities.

Konstantinos Tsimikas' situation will be factored in as speculation grows over the Greek left-back departing. Interest in Spence could be stepped up if that occurs, and he'd be a perfect option to challenge Milos Kerkez for a starting berth.

The price might be an issue for the Reds given he might not be viewed as a guaranteed starter. But in today's market, for a player who enjoyed somewhat of a breakout World Cup campaign, it could be worth it.

Tottenham Hotspur have been tipped to finally land a player they have wanted for years in a stunning swap deal this summer.

After a remarkable start to the summer transfer window that saw Tottenham sign six players for Roberto De Zerbi, including breaking their transfer record twice in as many days to sign Mateus Fernandes and then Sandro Tonali, their business has quietened down.

Their next transfer priority is to strengthen the frontline as they look to push up the Premier League table next term, following two successive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League.

It appears as though there is also a current focus on outgoings following a summer spend that has totalled more than £230m to date, with Luka Vuskovic already leaving for Brighton and Hove Albion.

Alfie Devine and Will Lankshear have also completed moves away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with key first-team players like Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero and Richarlison potentially joining them in the coming weeks.

Another young player who could be on his way out of the club is Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall, who is attracting interest and offers from fellow Premier League sides Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.

Tottenham Could Seal Bergvall-Gibbs-White Swap Deal

According to former Tottenham scot Bryan King, speaking to Football Insider, Spurs now have the opportunity to finally land long-term transfer target Morgan Gibbs-White.

Forest are currently battling to agree a fee with the north London outfit to bring Bergvall to the City Ground, and King believes that Tottenham should look to include the English midfielder as part of a deal, if he still wants to join.

Gibbs-White was on the verge of joining Spurs last summer after they triggered his release clause, but Evangelos Marinakis ended up persuading him to stay at the club.

As the clubs negotiate for Bergvall, King believes that Tottenham have a big opportunity to land a player they've wanted for years.

He said: "There's a deal there with Bergvall, isn't there? If he went to Forest. I think it's certainly doable. If Forest fancy Bergvall and Gibbs-White wants to leave, and the offer's right, I could see it happening.

"There again, you know, it comes down to loyalty again, doesn't it? He signed a new contract. Things didn't work out. They're not in Europe. I think it's going to be a tough year for Forest.

"They'll be in a transitional year, it's whether the new manager fancies him and maybe the new manager fancies Bergvall. There's a deal to be done there, if there's going to be a deal."

Tottenham Table £70m Transfer Bid

According to an Italian journalist, Tottenham have now launched a £70m bid to sign their top winger target, Savinho, from Manchester City.

Spurs were desperate to land the Brazil international last summer, and they have once again decided he is their number one left-winger target this year too.

Manchester City appear more open to a sale this summer than they were 12 months ago, but the north Londoners still need to find an agreement on a fee.

They will hope that the reported £70m offer will meet City's valuation and they can finally get a deal over the line.

Tottenham Hotspur have been reported as being open to selling Djed Spence this summer, but Football London correspondent Alasdair Gold has labelled the price tag he's heard as 'utterly ridiculous'.

Tottenham's incoming business has, unsurprisingly, slowed down in recent weeks after they made half-a-dozen signings within a month of the summer transfer window officially opening.

While Spurs continue to work on deals to bring new attackers to the club, with Manchester City winger Savinho and Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi two of their preferred targets, attention has also turned to players leaving the club.

Luka Vuskovic has joined Brighton and Hove Albion, Alfie Devine has gone to Preston North End and Radu Dragusin has gone on loan to Fiorentina, while Middlesbrough have just completed a deal worth a total of £20m to sign Will Lankshear.

They are unlikely to be the last departures at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with many other players being linked with a move away from the club.

Those include captain Cristian Romero, who is more likely to leave than last season's centre-back partner Micky van de Ven, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, Ricarlison, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr.

Another player attracting interest in Djed Spence, who is just wrapped up an impressive World Cup campaign for England.

Gold: Djed Spence Price Tag is 'Utterly Ridiculous'

Sanctioning exits for Vuskovic and Lankshear have already proven unpopular due to their potential as young players, and it could be the same for Spence.

There was a lot of uncertainty around the decision by Thomas Tuchel to include the 25-year-old in his England squad for the World Cup, but the versatile full-back was undoubtedly one of the Three Lions' standout performers during the tournament.

Spurs signed Spence in a deal worth up to £20m in 2022, and even though he has at least three years remaining on his Tottenham contract, the price tag mooted for his signing this summer has been £25m.

It is a figure that has left Gold gobsmacked, while speaking in his latest YouTube video.

He said: "We'll talk about Djed [Spence] a little bit and how the price tag that I've heard about is utterly ridiculous. I mean, utterly ridiculous.

"£25m as a price tag for him - not a chance. You'd have to be insane, Tottenham. First off, I don't think they should sell him anyway. Have two terrific players for every position, that would be the best way to do it. But £25m, they signed him for a £20m package. He's got three years left on his contract, and he's just had a mega World Cup. Just no, don't do it."

Tottenham Close to Completing Arsenal Transfer Hijack

Reports on Wednesday morning suggest that Tottenham are now close to completing a transfer hijack on arch-rivals Arsenal to sign exciting West Ham United teenager Isaac Allen.

The Gunners are said to have pursued the England U15 captain for 'weeks', but now Spurs are confident that they have won the race for his signature.

It would be another transfer coup for Tottenham, but there will also be concern about how they are selling some of their best young talents, including Vuskovic, Lankshear and Tyran Thompson, who has completed a move to Manchester United.

Tottenham are close to beating Arsenal to the signing of a West Ham midfielder, despite the Gunners actively pursuing him for weeks.

Tottenham and Arsenal have been shopping in a similar market in the summer transfer window, which might come as a surprise with Spurs not having European football.

Roberto De Zerbi's side have been incredibly ambitious in the market, which has led to them beating top clubs to the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.

All right, this summer has seen a host of academy players move between clubs, with Elijah Upson even leaving Spurs to join Arsenal.

Now Tottenham are looking to get revenge on Arsenal by beating them to the signing of a West Ham youngster.

Tottenham close to Arsenal hijack

According to journalist Isaan Khan, Tottenham are close to beating Arsenal to the signing of West Ham midfielder Isaac Allen in the summer transfer window.

The Gunners were actively pursuing the new midfielder for weeks, but Tottenham are now confident of getting a deal over the line.

Unfortunately, for clubs like West Ham, they are often powerless to keep some of their young talents, especially when big clubs like Tottenham and Arsenal enter the race.

With players not tied down to professional contracts, clubs can come in and swoop them for a nominal fee.

Tottenham losing plenty of young talent

It's no surprise that Tottenham are looking to poach young talent, as they are already losing lots of young players in the summer transfer window.

Luka Vuskovic has already made the move to Brighton, while a deal has been agreed for Will Lankshear to join Middlesbrough on a permanent deal.

Alfie Devine has also completed a permanent move to Preston North End, while Tynan Thompson has joined Manchester United.

As a result, Tottenham are going to need to bring in young talent themselves, with their primary focus in the window so far being on signing senior players.

Al Hilal have agreed a £68m deal with West Ham United to sign winger Crysencio Summerville, GIVEMESPORT understands.

The Netherlands winger was expected to leave the Hammers this summer following their relegation to the Championship, after a string of impressive performances in the Premier League and at the World Cup.

Serie A giants AS Roma had been the most advanced for a deal, having two bids rejected by West Ham, and having made a third bid on Tuesday, but they have now been gazumped by the Saudi Pro League outfit after they made a huge offer.

Sources: Al Hilal Hijack Summerville Deal

Summerville, who has been described as 'elite', has emerged as a strong target for a number of clubs in this window, including Manchester United who held exploratory talks last month, and Tottenham Hotspur, who are keen to bolster their attack.

But Saudi side Al Hilal made an initial approach to Summerville as early as May, GMS understands, with Summerville keen to assess the options he had in Europe first. They have now agreed a deal worth €80m (£68m) with West Ham to complete the move.

Roma had tabled a third bid worth €46m earlier in the day, and had asked for clarity within 24 hours. But Al Hilal tabled their offer, including a significant contract offer to the player, which has convinced him to move to the Middle East, and he now has permission to undergo a medical.

Summerville enjoyed a fine individual campaign in 2025/26 as he scored seven goals and registered five assists in all competitions, but he couldn't stop West Ham from being relegated on the final day of the season.

He was then called up as part of Ronald Koeman's Netherlands squad at the World Cup, where he scored twice in four appearances before they crashed out at the Round of 32 to Mexico on penalties, with the 24-year-old missing in the shootout.

Summerville Premier League Interest Cooled

Man Utd and Spurs were among the sides showing a strong interest in Summerville during the window, but their interest had cooled in recent weeks as a result of other situations.

United were unlikely to make a move unless Marcus Rashford departed Old Trafford, but the 28-year-old looks set to stay as things stand, and is expected to return for pre-season after a short holiday following the World Cup.