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Former Tottenham Hotspur scout Mick Brown believes that recent developments could have a huge impact on the future of long-term Spurs target Hayden Hackney.

Spurs were reportedly considering a move for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney in January before they signed Conor Gallagher.

It has been suggested Tottenham could go back in for the £30m-rated Boro star in the summer window, although they may not be the only Premier League club eyeing a move for the 23-year-old.

A former Spurs official has now suggested that what has happened in the Championship over recent weeks may have a big impact on the English midfielder’s future.

Tottenham target Hayden Hackney will not stay with Middlesbrough in the Championship

When Boro were flying in the Championship, it was reported that Hackney could remain with his boyhood club in the summer if they get promoted ot the Premier League.

However, Boro are winless in their last five Championship games and have dropped down to third place, and Mick Brown believes that the midfielder is certain to leave the Riverside Stadium if the club do not get promoted.

When asked about Hackney’s future, the former Tottenham scout told Football Insider: “The Millwall loss was a big blow for Middlesbrough.”

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It’s far from over yet, and it could even have changed on Monday when there’s another round of fixtures, because you never know in the Championship. But if they don’t get promotion to the Premier League, it might be impossible to keep Hackney.”

Nottingham Forest could challenge Spurs for Hackney

There have been some suggestions in the media that Michael Carrick could ask Man United to beat Spurs to Hackney’s signature this summer.

However, Brown has named Nottingham Forest as the team most likely to make a move for the Boro star, revealing that Tottenham’s relegation rivals have plenty of money to spend this summer.

Brown added: “Nottingham Forest need a midfielder, and he’s somebody they were keen on in January, they see him as probably the best midfielder in the Championship.

“So if Middlesbrough are still in the second division next season, he’s going to be keen to make the step up, and Forest would be a good destination for him.

“They’ve got money to spend and they want to improve the squad, so they’ll be keeping a close eye on what happens between now and the end of the season.”

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to raid their London rivals West Ham United for another attacker this summer, but they will have to overcome a major transfer battle for his signature.

One suspects that adding firepower to Spurs’ attack would be one of Roberto De Zerbi’s priorities this summer if he does manage to keep the club in the Premier League.

The Lilywhites have lacked any cutting edge in the final third, with injuries to key men not helping their cause.

It has now been suggested that Spurs may reignite their interest in a Premier League star who was linked with a move to N17 in January.

Tottenham are one of five Premier League clubs interested in Crysencio Summerville

During the January window, it was reported that Tottenham attempted a shock £25m raid of West Ham for Crysencio Summervile.

Although that proved unsuccessful, reports indicate that Spurs are leading the race for the Hammers star ahead of the summer window.

A new report in L’Eco di Bergamo (as relayed by Tutto Atalanta) has now confirmed that Tottenham are one of the clubs interested in the 24-year-old, but they reveal that a whole host of other clubs are also on the player’s trail.

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Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Brentford, Everton, Olympique Marseille, and Villarreal are all eyeing a summer move for Summerville, while Napoli and Atalanta are also plotting moves.

It thus appears that the Lilywhites would have to act quickly if they want to get ahead of the competition in the race for the Dutchman.

West Ham could sell Summerville for a cut-price fee

L’Eco di Bergamo explains that the hope at Atalanta is that West Ham’s ‘extremely delicate position’ in the Premier League table will favour them in their pursuit of Summerville.

It is revealed that the Hammers value the winger at €30m (£26m), but if they go down, the player’s valuation will take a ‘drastic nosedive’.

However, before Tottenham can think of raiding their London rivals for a winger for the second summer running, they first have to secure their place in the top flight.

Tottenham Hotspur may be left to regret not paying the asking price for one highly-coveted star in January, as Man United and Liverpool enter the race.

Tottenham were exploring a deal for Maghnes Akliouche until the final days of the January window, but the Lilywhites were not able to strike a deal for the Frenchman.

Spurs would have had to pay £50m for the attacker in January, and it has since been reported that Monaco’s asking price for Akliouche has gone up to £60m ahead of the summer.

That may not be the only reason for Tottenham Hotspur to regret not securing the attacking midfielder during the January window.

Liverpool and Man United enter race for Tottenham target Maghnes Akliouche

TEAMtalk are now reporting that Man United and Liverpool have also set their sights on the Monaco man ahead of the summer.

The Reds see Akliouche as a possible replacement for Mohammed Salah, with the Ligue 1 star emerging as a ‘genuine target’ for Arne Slot’s men.

Meanwhile, Man United are the target for attacking reinforcements this summer and have also scouted the French international this season ahead of a potential move.

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Both Liverpool and Man United have now ‘stepped up’ their interest in the versatile attacker, which makes life much more difficult for Tottenham if they do decide to reignite their interest in the player.

Akliouche is expected to leave Monaco this summer

TEAMtalk say that the attacking midfielder has just two years left at Monaco, and the Ligue 1 side are bracing themselves for ‘significant interest’ in their star man this summer.

With Akliouche’s list of admirers growing, the expectation at the club is that the silky left-footer will leave Stade Louis II this summer.

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi explained what he likes to see from his number nines back during his Brighton days.

The Italian has been putting the Tottenham squad through the paces at Hotspur Way over the past few days, with the newcomer having around 10 days to prepare for his first game in charge against Sunderland.

Reports indicate that the Spurs players have raved about De Zerbi’s training sessions, with the former Brighton boss appearing to have made a strong early impression on the squad.

There has been debate on who will make De Zerbi’s starting lineup against Sunderland, and one senior Tottenham man will be interested in what the Italian has had to say in the past about his system.

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi reveals what he expects of a number nine

It remains to be seen who the 46-year-old will choose to lead the line on Sunday, but one would expect Dominic Solanke to get the nod over Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani.

De Zerbi has made it clear in a previous interview during his Brighton days that a number nine in his system has to be intelligent, knowing when to attack the spaces and when he has to drop in between the lines.

He told Sky Sports back in 2024: “I love playing with different solutions depending on the different characteristics of the players, because on the pitch they’re the ones who have to play and they have to find the solutions. You can’t move the player with a [computer game] joystick.

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“If we want to control the game we need the number nine to be smart, intelligent to understand when he has to play, when he has to attack the space and when he has to open the space [behind] for Mitoma for example or to open this other space [in front of the box].

“If you play for Brighton, you have to work for the players first of all. Then for sure we can’t forget our style. We can’t forget the quality of the play if we want to compete with the big teams. In this [system] there is myself. There is my history, there is my character. There is my madness, no? Everything.”

De Zerbi has already tried to sign a Spurs attacker

The new Tottenham boss has said that he believes in the quality of the Spurs squad, having watched the club’s matches closely of late.

According to journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke, De Zerbi previously tried to sign Mohammed Kudus, with the Italian said to be a fan of the Ghanaian winger.

West Ham United have been handed a boost in their quest to avoid Premier League relegation at the expense of Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham sit just one point ahead of West Ham in 18th heading into the final seven league games of the season.

While this is a position that the Hammers are familiar with, it is uncharted territory for Spurs, with some of the North London club’s decisions, such as the appointment of Igor Tudor, reeking of panic.

The Tottenham hierarchy have now turned to Roberto De Zerbi to get them out of trouble, but their London rivals have now been handed a boost.

Key West Ham star could be fit for relegation battle with Tottenham

Crysencio Summerville, who has been one of West Ham’s best players this term, has been out of action for a month since picking up an injury in the FA Cup win over Brentford at the start of March.

According to West Ham Zone, Summerville is close to returning to action and even had a fitness test ahead of the Hammers’ FA Cup quarterfinal clash against Leeds on Sunday.

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The Dutchman played no part in the fixture as Leeds emerged winners on penalties, but the fact that he had a chance to be fit for the game suggests that he could be ready by the time his side takes on Wolves on Friday.

Ironically, Tottenham are said to be leading a six-way chase to poach Summerville this summer, but could it all be too late by then?

Jean-Clair Todibo also missed the clash against Leeds due to injury, while Lukasz Fabianski is a long-term absentee for the English side.

West Ham could pile the pressure on Spurs before their clash against Sunderland

With Nuno Espirito Santo’s men taking on bottom-of-the-table Wolves on Friday, they have a big opportunity to pile the pressure on Tottenham.

If West Ham do beat Wolves, Spurs will be in the bottom three for the first time this season when they take the field at the Stadium of Light.

That could either have the effect of really focusing the minds of the Tottenham players, or conversely, it could make them crumble, especially given the consistent struggles since the turn of the year.

Journalist Alex Crook has made a controversial claim about Cristian Romero and the developments regarding the Tottenham captain’s future over the last few days.

Romero has been the lightning rod for a lot of the criticism levelled at Tottenham Hotspur this season, with the Argentine failing to hit the heights that we know he is capable of.

The Spurs captain was labelled ‘lazy’ and a ‘disgrace’ after his performance against Nottingham Forest two weeks ago, which has left the club on the brink of the relegation zone.

Romero has promised Tottenham fans that he will give 200 per cent in the club’s final seven league matches, but the supporters will want to see him walk the talk.

Alex Crook believes Cristian Romero is part of the problem at Tottenham

Many have questioned the Tottenham man’s leadership credentials this season, given his antics both on and off the pitch.

Journalist Alex Crooki has now blasted Romero, not only suggesting that he is not fit to lead the side, but also opining that the World Cup winner is not good enough defensively.

Crook told talkSPORT: “I’ve been quite public in my views of ‘I think he’s part of the problem at Spurs’. If he’s the leader in the group, that doesn’t say much for the rest of them.

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“I don’t think he’s a particularly good defender for someone who has won the biggest prize in football [the 2022 World Cup]. And this sums up the attitude of certain players in that dressing room.”

Crook believes Roberto De Zerbi has to prioritise solving Romero problem

Just a couple of days ago, Romero’s father revealed that his son’s Tottenham contract contains a release clause and that Spurs would sell him for around $50-$70m (£37.8m-£53m) this summer.

Crook accused the Spurs star of getting his dad to deliberately leak the information and of creating a problem for De Zerbi.

When asked about his dad’s interview, the journalist said: “I don’t believe that his dad would have leaked that information without Romero’s say so.

“And it’s an issue that Roberto De Zerbi is going to have to tackle right from the off here. He’s not said it outright, but this is not dissimilar to why Chelsea have sanctioned Enzo Fernandez. He’s basically flirting and trying to get himself a move away via his dad.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s long wait for a Premier League victory has now reached a significant and worrying milestone, underlining just how far their season has unravelled.

The focus for Tottenham Hotspur and Robert De Zerbi this month is simple – turning around what has been a dreadful Premier League season thus far.

Spurs are currently in a full-on relegation scrap, and while their fate remains in their own hands, they must fight to keep it that way.

Next up is a trip to the Stadium of Light, with Tottenham taking to the pitch for the first time in three weeks for De Zerbi’s much-awaited debut.

Tottenham’s winless Premier League run hits 100 days

Many Spurs fans will be desperate to see their side secure a victory on Sunday, given how long it has been since Tottenham last won a game.

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A whopping 100 days have passed since fans of the Lilywhites celebrated a win in the Premier League, although Spurs have picked up a few wins in the Champions League during that time.

The last time Tottenham managed a victory in the Premier League was in their Boxing Day fixture against Crystal Palace, which took place on December 28.

Since then, Tottenham have endured a dismal run of five draws and eight defeats, picking up a meagre five points in that period, leaving them as the worst side in the division across that time.

Spurs struggles deepen as injuries and changes pile up

Still, a lot has happened in north London since Tottenham’s last victory in the Premier League. Several players have been sidelined in that timeframe, with at least 13 of Spurs’ key starters spending time on the treatment table.

The likes of Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur, who featured in the victory against Crystal Palace, picked up injuries in the weeks that followed. Bergvall has only just returned, while Kudus and Bentancur are still waiting.

Meanwhile, Dejan Kulusevski, who underwent surgery last year, has yet to kick a ball for Tottenham this campaign as he continues his rehabilitation.

There have also been several changes in the dugout for Tottenham. Thomas Frank, who oversaw the victory against Crystal Palace, has since been sacked after a poor run at Spurs and a falling out with fans.

Frank was replaced by Igor Tudor, who has also departed following the 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest in Spurs’ last league game.

Tottenham Hotspur head into a crucial clash with Sunderland, and the latest injury news could at least level the playing field for Roberto De Zerbi.

It is not long before Tottenham Hotspur take to the field in their first game under new coach Roberto De Zerbi.

The former Brighton manager will be hoping he can steady a sinking ship as Spurs battle to stay in the English top flight.

His first encounter is set to come up against an impressive Sunderland side, who have looked very much like a Premier League side despite securing promotion last season.

Sunderland injury blow could level the playing field for Tottenham

When the two sides last met under Thomas Frank, the encounter ended in a draw. However, with the gap between Tottenham and the relegation places standing at just one point, securing a victory is crucial for De Zerbi.

Tottenham might now have a slight boost ahead of their encounter with the Black Cats on Sunday, 12 April. That is because goalkeeper Robin Roefs and key centre-back Daniel Ballard are doubts for Sunday’s encounter.

A return date has been pencilled in for 12 April on Premier League Injuries, but there is a 50% chance that the pair will be back.

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Other sidelined players for the newly promoted side include Jocelin Ta Bi (ankle/foot injury), Romaine Mundle (thigh injury), Bertrand Isidore Traore (knee injury) and Nilson Angulo (other), who have all been ruled out.

Of course, Tottenham have injury issues of their own though…

Spurs must capitalise as relegation rivals loom large

The Sunderland clash on Sunday is a very crucial one for Tottenham, who could find themselves in the bottom three before a ball is kicked.

West Ham United start Gameweek 32 on Friday with a clash against bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, and should they manage to take all three points, they will leapfrog Spurs and move out of the relegation zone.

But if Tottenham manage a victory in their clash against Sunderland, and Nottingham Forest and Leeds United lose to Aston Villa and Manchester United respectively, the Lilywhites could end up in 15th place, even if they start the gameweek in the bottom three.

It will be vital for Spurs to make every advantage count.

Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival at Tottenham Hotspur could bring immediate and long-term change between the sticks in North London.

Many Tottenham Hotspur fans will be keen to get life under new boss Roberto De Zerbi underway, although some still have their reservations about the new manager.

However, more questions are expected to be directed at Roberto De Zerbi in his first pre-match press conference, which should offer greater insight into what life under his tenure will look like.

While off-field matters will take care of themselves, many supporters will be focused on performances on the pitch as Tottenham Hotspur continue their fight to avoid relegation.

How De Zerbi is likely to set up, and which players will be key to his system, are also key talking points that we have addressed this week.

But based on the Italian’s past decisions, a significant change between the sticks could be on the cards for Spurs.

Tottenham goalkeeper decision looms for Roberto De Zerbi

We already know that Tottenham have two goalkeepers with contrasting qualities and strengths. Guglielmo Vicario is an elite shot-stopper, while Antonin Kinsky represents a solid option with the ball at his feet (apart from against Atletico Madrid, apparently).

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The question of who will be between the sticks has also sparked debate, given De Zerbi’s demands and the contrasting styles of both goalkeepers.

We already know that for the Sunderland clash, Kinsky might be the one in goal, with Vicario still recovering from injury.

However, when both are fit, we could see an entirely different approach at Spurs. During De Zerbi’s time at Brighton, the Italian had two goalkeepers who shared minutes.

Bart Verbruggen and Jason Steele were De Zerbi’s shot-stoppers at the time, and both goalkeepers rotated 14 times in the 23-24 season. The manager himself even admitted that Verbruggen and Steele would get a 50-50 split of games.

Could we also see Vicario and Kinsky share minutes under the new boss?

Spurs may rethink long-term goalkeeper plans under De Zerbi

However, further investigation hints that it will be far from straightforward at Tottenham this season.

When De Zerbi was at Brighton, his two goalkeeping options were very similar in style, with both capable of playing out from the back. That could explain why the Italian opted to rotate as much as he did; regardless of who was in the sticks, his side would perform at almost a similar level.

At Tottenham, however, that is far from the case. Vicario has struggled with playing out and often opts to go long. Whether this is down to the coaches he has worked under this season is another question. Under Ange Postecoglou, who had a similar philosophy, the Italian struggled with his feet at times.

This does not just hint at a potential change this season, but could also give us a glimpse into what might happen in the future. The inability of either one of these goalkeepers could force a change between the sticks next season.

We already know Vicario is attracting interest from Inter Milan, and fresh reports claim that he has given a yes to the Italian side.

Should he be moved on, Spurs could then opt to sign a new goalkeeper, and if Kinsky goes out on loan, Tottenham might even need two.

In recent weeks, the profiles Tottenham have been linked with are goalkeepers capable of playing out from the back.

Tottenham Hotspur fans will not be filled with optimism after finding out which referee will take charge of their clash against Sunderland on Sunday.

The Roberto De Zerbi era at Spurs gets underway with a trip to the Stadium of Light this weekend.

It represents a difficult start to life in North London for De Zerbi, who is taking over a side that has yet to win a single league game this calendar year.

Tottenham could find themselves in the bottom three by the time they take to the field with West Ham hosting bottom-of-the-table Wolves on Friday.

Rob Jones will referee Tottenham’s clash against Sunderland

The Premier League have now announced that Rob Jones will officiate Sunday’s clash at the Stadium of Light, with Neil Davies and Nick Greenhalgh as his assistants.

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Tom Bramall will be the fourth official, while the VAR and Assistant VAR will be James Bell and Nick Hopton, respectively.

As per Transfermarkt, Jones has officiated 13 matches involving Spurs, out of which the Lilywhites have won just four matches and lost six, which does not make for encouraging reading. That makes for a win rate of just 30.7% ahead of what is a must-win game for the Lilywhites.

Jones has booked Tottenham players on 32 occasions during those 13 matches, but, on the plus side, he has never sent off a Spurs player.

What will De Zerbi’s game plan be at Sunderland?

De Zerbi has made it clear that he favours a possession-based, attacking style of football, but implementing that at a Tottenham side lacking in confidence may not be easy.

Pundits have suggested that the new Spurs boss may opt for a pragmatic approach against Sunderland, rather than asking his side to take risks.

Tottenham supporters will be eagerly waiting to see what starting line-up the Italian goes with and whether the Lilywhites take the game to the Black Cats.