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Tony Pulis has explained why he believes Tottenham’s leadership is responsible for the club’s consistent struggles on the pitch this season.

The Tottenham hierarchy will be hoping third time is the charm, after they appointed Roberto De Zerbi to replace Igor Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank.

The Italian has just seven games to prevent the Lilywhites from being relegated for the first time in 48 years.

De Zerbi has reportedly made a strong first impression on the Tottenham squad, and Spurs fans will be hoping that the 46-year-old proves to be the right fit for the club on the back of a few poor appointments.

Tony Pulis claims changes at the top at Tottenham have held back managers

Pulis puts the North London club’s struggles this season down to the owners and the hierarchy taking their eye off the ball in terms of on-pitch performance.

He also suggested that the big changes that have been made at the boardroom level over the last 12 months have made life difficult for the managers in charge of the club.

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The former Stoke City star told BBC Sport: “So, are Spurs’ current problems simply down to them taking their eye off the ball in terms of what is happening on the pitch, and being too focused on what is happening off it?

“While the club has invested heavily in the transfer market, it seems many of their supporters believe that they have always maintained a tight restraint on player wages – which I am sure has cost them when competing for signings with other top Premier League teams.

“On top of that, behind the scenes, they have not only moved on from long-serving executive Daniel Levy, who left in September after almost 25 years in the role, they have also consistently changed important roles in their management structure.

“By doing that, I’ve got no doubt that the club has impinged on their coach’s ability to construct and sustain a stable players’ identity model, which could and would instil a much more aligned system on the pitch.

“As I’ve mentioned in previous columns, today’s managers and coaches are more or less given players to coach rather than choosing signings themselves. If you are the manager and you have real differences of opinion with the people making those decisions, or there are constant changes above you, then goodness knows how you can be successful, whoever you are.”

Pulis believes De Zerbi would have sought clear guarantees from Spurs

Reports indicate that De Zerbi has been handed plenty of power by Tottenham on off-the-pitch decisions, with the Italian expected to have a major say on the club’s squad building.

Pulis has no doubt that the former Brighton boss will not have signed a five-year deal unless he has been given control of the club’s transfer targets.

The 68-year-old added: “Looking at where Spurs have gone wrong with some of their player recruitment in recent years, I cannot believe that a manager of Roberto de Zerbi’s standing would sign a five-year contract without him having some say on signings and the new players who will be coming into the club.

“With Spurs maintaining a strict wage budget, their recruitment must be smart and resourceful whatever division they are in, but it is also important it is in line with the coach’s needs and wishes.”

Tottenham have reportedly joined the race for a highly-rated Championship defender, but face strong competition from several clubs across Europe.

Tottenham Hotspur’s 2025/26 season has not gone as planned, with the club now preparing for yet another major rebuild in the summer.

What was supposed to be a fresh start following last season’s European success has instead turned into a fight for survival, with Spurs sitting just one point above the relegation zone.

The arrival of Roberto De Zerbi has brought some hope of stabilising the situation, but it has also highlighted the need for significant changes to the squad.

Recruitment was likely a key topic during discussions with the Italian, with concerns that the current squad may not fully suit his style of play.

Spurs sporting director Johan Lange has promised a huge summer, and the club have already been linked with several potential targets.

Tottenham join race for Tom Atcheson as transfer battle heats up

According to TEAMTALK, Tottenham have made an enquiry for Blackburn Rovers defender Tom Atcheson, who recently signed a long-term contract with the Championship side.

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The 19-year-old has quickly emerged as one of the most promising young defenders in England despite only making his senior debut in December.

Atcheson has already established himself as a regular for Blackburn and recently made his full international debut for Northern Ireland in a 1-1 draw against Wales.

However, Tottenham are far from alone in their interest. A number of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Newcastle United, Sunderland, Everton, Brentford and Brighton, are all said to be monitoring the situation.

There is also interest from across Europe, with RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta and Napoli all reportedly keeping tabs on the teenager.

Atcheson’s performances have caught attention for his physical presence and aerial ability, with the defender averaging 3.1 aerial duels won per game.

Tottenham likely to prioritise experienced centre-backs this summer

Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven have both remained quiet on their futures, and with strong interest from top European clubs, Spurs could be forced into a difficult decision.

Even the departure of one would require Tottenham to bring in a proven centre-back rather than relying solely on young prospects.

If Atcheson were to arrive, he would likely be seen as one for the future and could even be sent out on loan to continue his development. Spurs must also consider integrating Luka Vuskovic, who has impressed during his loan spell in Germany.

Reports suggest Tottenham are also monitoring Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke and AS Roma’s Evan Ndicka as more established options.

However, the ideal scenario for Spurs may still be to retain one of Romero or Van de Ven and build around that core alongside Vuskovic.

Tottenham Hotspur now face a fresh hurdle in their pursuit of Marco Palestra, with Liverpool stepping up their interest in the Atalanta star.

Tottenham Hotspur could be very active in the transfer market this summer, and they will be keen to strengthen a couple of positions.

The backline is one area that Spurs might look to improve, especially if a few of their established starters are sold or depart the club.

Cristian Romero has been linked with a move away from north London, while Micky van de Ven is also attracting interest from several sides in Europe.

With that in mind, Spurs will undoubtedly look to be proactive when building their squad in the summer, and preparations on that front appear to have started.

Tottenham target Marco Palestra transfer as Liverpool step up interest

According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham are said to have an eye on Atalanta’s young defender Marco Palestra.

The defender is capable of featuring as a right-back as well as a right midfielder, making him a versatile addition to their backline.

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It is claimed that Tottenham have had the 21-year-old on their radar for quite some time, and they have even scouted him in several matches.

We reported last month that Palestra could be a long-term replacement for Pedro Porro – the Spaniard himself is also attracting interest from clubs elsewhere.

Spurs face Liverpool battle for Marco Palestra as £39m price emerges

While Spurs have begun work on Palestra, they are not expected to have a free run at the right-back this summer, with other clubs understood to be interested in the Atalanta man.

Liverpool is also in the race for the defender and is making “serious preparations” to secure the signature of Palestra. The Reds see the full-back as a solution to strengthen squad depth and possibly as a long-term replacement option.

Inter Milan, Newcastle United and Juventus are also interested in Palestra. In fact, Inter backed away in January due to complications with his loan status, but they are now preparing a bid of around £30 million (€35 million) for the summer.

Tottenham are eyeing a move for a Leeds United star, but Aston Villa could now complicate the Lilywhites’ attempts to land the centre-back.

Tottenham Hotspur fans will no doubt be excited by the brand of football set to be introduced under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

The former Brighton boss is renowned for his attractive style of play, built on quick combinations, baiting the press, and confidently playing out from the back.

However, De Zerbi has already suggested that implementing those principles will take time, but if Spurs can avoid the drop this season, the next campaign could see his philosophy fully take shape.

Tottenham target Pascal Struijk transfer as Cristian Romero’s future is uncertain

TeamTalk are now reporting that Spurs have set their sights on Leeds United left-footed centre-back Pascal Struijk, who is astute when playing out from the back.

In De Zerbi’s first training session, there was an emphasis on quick one-touch, two-touch play as he drilled his players in rondos.

There is a clear need for players to be comfortable on the ball in the new Spurs manager system, and Struijk is one player who could fit that mould, given his technical ability.

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Tottenham have long held an interest in Struijk; however, this time it is understood they are particularly keen on the centre-back as they risk losing Cristian Romero – who is attracting interest from elsewhere.

Spurs face competition from Aston Villa and Newcastle United in pursuit of Pascal Struijk

While Spurs have been credited with interest, they are not favourites to secure the services of the Leeds United man.

It is claimed that Aston Villa are the most serious of all the contenders ahead of the summer window, with Unai Emery’s side preparing a determined pursuit as they are keen to add technical quality and depth to their defence. Newcastle United are also interested in the centre-back as they too aim to bolster their defensive ranks.

It is further explained that Villa might look to begin their offer from £25 million, given Struijk has just one year left on his contract; however, any successful bid will likely involve further negotiation, given Leeds’ valuation.

Tottenham Hotspur now face a blow in their pursuit of Bart Verbruggen, with Bayern Munich’s plans threatening to disrupt a potential summer move.

Tottenham Hotspur may have to brace themselves for a couple of big outgoings in the summer transfer window.

The extent of the exodus will depend on whether Spurs maintain their Premier League status, given their relegation fight this season.

Dropping down to the Championship will have severe financial ramifications for Tottenham, and their desperate signing of Roberto De Zerbi represents how much they want to remain in the English top flight.

Tottenham target Bart Verbruggen’s transfer could be impacted by Bayern Munich move

The goalkeeping department for Tottenham is one area that could be addressed in the summer transfer window.

De Zerbi’s former goalkeeping staff have already opened up on what the Italian demands from his goalkeepers and how crucial the position is in his tactical setup.

Those comments have only cast further doubt on Guglielmo Vicario’s future. The Italian is not the greatest with the ball at his feet, while Antonin Kinsky will be looking to impress against Sunderland should Vicario’s hernia surgery prevent him from starting.

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TeamTalk are now reporting that Spurs’ attempt to land Brighton number one Bart Verbruggen, who has worked with De Zerbi in the past, could be scuppered.

That is because Bayern Munich are showing interest, with the German giants viewing the 23-year-old as a Manuel Neuer replacement.

Neuer is 40, and his contract is set to expire this summer, when he could also retire. Should he depart, the German champions will turn to the Premier League to secure Verbruggen.

Spurs face Guglielmo Vicario exit this summer

Spurs do not just have to worry about Bayern, with Newcastle United also in the race to sign Bart Verbruggen this summer.

Given the interest in the Dutch shot-stopper, this is one transfer saga to keep an eye on, but it is one battle Tottenham will not want to lose.

We reported earlier in the week that Guglielmo Vicario has given a ‘yes’ to join Inter Milan in the summer. The Serie A side has long shown interest in Vicario, and the feeling is that a move in the summer is very likely.

Tottenham Hotspur are already laying the groundwork for a key summer move, with early contact made for a £38.5m former Norwich City star.

It will be interesting to see how Tottenham Hotspur go about their transfer business in the next couple of seasons under Roberto De Zerbi.

We already know that the former Brighton manager often wants his way in the transfer market, and he could quickly become dissatisfied when his club does not match his ambition.

So far, Spurs are understood to be ready to build with De Zerbi, having handed him a five-year contract – one that should keep him in north London until 2031.

Tottenham transfer talks for Gabriel Sara gather pace

CaughtOffside are now reporting that Tottenham Hotspur have looked to position themselves as favourites for the potential transfer of Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara this summer.

Sara has previously featured in the Premier League during his time with Norwich City. He is capable of operating in both central and attacking midfield roles and has already registered nine goal involvements this season.

Spurs have now made initial contact with those close to Sara to register their interest, with the 26-year-old understood to be keen on a move back to the Premier League.

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Gabriel Sara transfer fee and stance amid Spurs interest

A fee in the region of €45m (£38.5m) is seen as a fair price for the midfielder, whom Galatasaray are not keen to let go.

However, it is unclear if Tottenham will look to do business at that price range, even though they have started to explore a deal for the former Norwich City man.

The feeling around those involved is reported to be positive, especially with Sara said to be keen on returning to England, even if it means sacrificing Champions League football at Galatasaray for a club like Spurs, who will not be in Europe next season.

However, should Tottenham fail to beat the drop, they could miss out on the midfielder altogether.

Tottenham Hotspur could turn to a young Brazilian to solve their issues up front this summer, ahead of Roberto De Zerbi’s first season in charge.

It may be too early to predict which players De Zerbi would want replaced in the summer, given that the Italian just walked through the door.

However, one would expect to see wholesale changes to the Spurs’ forward line, which has looked extremely lacking in firepower.

Top-class number nines are not easy to find in the current climate, and tend to cost a premium, but the Lilywhites could turn to Saudi Arabia for a solution.

Tottenham have closely tracked Marcos Leonardo ahead of the summer

A couple of days ago, it was reported that Tottenham are eyeing a move for Al-Hilal striker Marcos Leonardo, who has scored 44 goals in 72 appearances for the Saudi Pro League side since his move from Benfica back in 2024.

Spurs are said to believe he could ‘permanently close the clinical void left’ by Harry Kane. Now Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte has now also reported on the Lilywhites’ interest in the 22-year-old.

The report says that Flamengo and Sao Paulo have already had advances for Leonardo knocked back recently, and European clubs are now tracking the situation ahead of the summer.

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Prime among this is Tottenham Hotspur, who have monitored the young centre-forward ‘for months’ and have been impressed by his steady output.

The report adds that the former Benfica man’s ‘availability’ is one of the most important factors for Tottenham, which suggests that the Lilywhites may be prioritising signing players who do not tend to get injured.

Leonardo will not come cheap for Spurs

RTI Esporte suggest that Al-Hilal do not see the Brazilian striker as a central part of their plans and are open to cashing in on him.

However, the Saudi club may not just want to recover their initial investment on Leonardo, but may also be looking for a profit.

The report asserts that Simone Inzaghi’s side could demand around €65m (£55m) for the Santos academy graduate’s services.

Tottenham Hotspur are keeping their eye on a highly-rated £70m striker, who faces an uncertain future at a table-topping club.

We could potentially see some big changes being made to the Tottenham forward line, which has failed to fire to the expected degree this season.

Richarlison is expected to leave Tottenham this summer, while sources suggest that Spurs will not look to purchase Randal Kolo Mauni at the end of his loan spell.

The Lilywhites are now ready to turn their attention to a Portuguese centre-forward, who has found regular starts hard to come by this season.

Tottenham are exploring a move for PSG star Goncalo Ramos

TEAMtalk have now claimed that Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos has emerged as a possible target for Tottenham Hotspur after falling down Luis Enrique’s pecking order at PSG.

The 24-year-old, who the Parisians paid £70m to sign from Benfica back in 2023, has started just over a third of the club’s Ligue 1 games this season.

Spurs are being kept informed of Ramos’ availability and could enter the race for his signature this summer, with the PSG star open to testing himself in England.

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Chelsea and Newcastle United have been long-term admirers of the Portugal international and are positioning themselves for a summer assault.

Is Ramos likely to leave PSG this summer?

The interest in Ramos is not restricted to the Premier League, with TEAMtalk revealing that AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund are all keeping an eye on the striker.

The report claims that the former Benfica man’s lack of game time has now led to ‘a growing acceptance’ from the player’s camp that he does not have a long-term future in Paris.

With interest in Ramos building, it is suggested that the coming weeks could be crucial in determining where he ends up in the summer.

Football finance expert Stefan Borsen expects Tottenham Hotspur to be forced into some tough wage decisions this summer if they get relegated.

The Spurs hierarchy have now made their final throw of the dice in their attempts to secure the club’s Premier League status, handing Roberto De Zerbi a five-year contract.

De Zerbi has said he will be in charge of Spurs even if they are in the Championship next term, but he and the club’s leadership will be desperately hoping it does not come to that.

One financial expert sees major difficulties ahead for the Lilywhites if they do fail to stay in the top-flight.

Tottenham will have to significantly reduce their wage bill if they are relegated

According to reports, Daniel Levy inserted a relegation clause in every Tottenham player’s contract, which will see many of their salaries cut down by as much as 50 per cent if the club goes down.

However, despite this, Borson believes that Spurs will have to get rid of many of their high earners if they find themselves in the Championship. Last season, Tottenham paid £256m in player wages.

He told Football Insider: “We know there are relegation clauses that mean that the wages are lower. The question then is what players are going to leave and where does the wage bill go? I would think they’ll try and get the wage bill down to let’s say £100m.

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“That is still ample to get out of the Championship. But of course, it looks very different from what they have today. A lot of their better players, or the players they perceive to be the better players probably will leave.”

Spurs expected to face a major drop in matchday income if they get relegated

Tottenham’s commercial and broadcast income will take a big hit if they are no longer in the Premier League, and Borsen has now said that matchday income will also be significantly reduced.

He believes the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will have to operate at a reduced capacity in the Championship if the ticket prices do not drop drastically.

Borson added: “There will be more home games because you’re in the Championship, so it’s 23 home games, but Lincoln City are a team likely to be in the Championship next season.

“With the best will in the world, you are very unlikely to sell out 62,000 seats, plus all that corporate hospitality at the stadium, for a home game against Lincoln City. You’re just not going to.

“If you do sell it out, your price point is going to have to be lower, so a lot of it will depend on whether Spurs hit the ground running with a very exciting team winning a lot of matches with a much lower cost base.”

Luka Vuskovic has given his clearest response yet to the speculation linking him to a move away from Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

As Spurs Web has previously covered, clubs from around Europe are circling over Tottenham’s best players, as the North London club stand on the brink of the relegation zone, with just seven league games left this term.

It is not just the club’s big-name players who are attracting transfer interest, but also many of their young starlets.

Over recent weeks, several reports have suggested that Luka Vuskovic is on the radar of several elite clubs on the back of his outstanding displays on loan at Hamburg.

Luka Vuskovic says he will be a Tottenham player next season

Some outlets have claimed over recent weeks that Tottenham may cash in on the young defender for £61m this summer, with the Croat potentially set to leave without playing a single competitive game for the Lilywhites.

However, Vuskovic has now refused to discuss the possibility of a summer exit, revealing that he will be a Spurs player again at the end of the season.

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When asked about the speculation linking him with a big-money transfer, the 19-year-old told Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: “After this season, I’ll be a Tottenham player again. I have a contract there until 2030.”

The teenager’s physicality is one of his biggest strengths, but he admitted that he is learning the subtlety of defending smartly by improving his positioning.

When asked about his physical style, the Tottenham youngster responded: “It all depends on how the player plays. It can be really tough; it can feel like the defender is trying to destroy a striker, he can inflict some really hard fouls.

“But it can also be completely different, without a foul, even without physical contact. If you defend intelligently, you hardly ever have to go directly into a challenge; you focus more on the space where things can get dangerous. I’m somewhere in between because I’m not as aggressive as some others, although I’d like to be a bit more so. I’m working on that.”

Vuskovic is working hard on his major weakness

Even though the Tottenham youngster has been one of the highest-rated centre-backs across Europe this season, as per WhoScored, he is aware that he is not a complete defender just yet.

Vuskovic admitted that his speed across the ground is his biggest weakness and revealed that he is working hard to improve that part of his game.

The teenager added: “I know my weaknesses. I’ve been training with a private coach for some time now to work on my speed. As a footballer, you don’t have to be a 100 metre sprinter, but a good start definitely helps. And I’m constantly trying to improve my timing in certain situations. I often act on instinct, but some things just take practice.

“There used to be situations I wanted to anticipate. But sometimes I started too early, and sometimes too late. It’s slowly getting better. This is especially key against fast and skilful strikers. If I know I can’t catch my opponent, it can sometimes help if I take a step forward so he’s offside.”