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Tottenham Hotspur were leading the race for a highly-rated Serie A centre-back, but that is no longer the case following recent developments.

As regular readers of Spurs Web would be aware, both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven face uncertain futures at Tottenham, even if the club manage to stay in the Premier League.

Additionally, Spurs are also at risk of losing Luka Vuskovic, who is of interest to some of the biggest clubs in Europe after his outstanding displays on loan at Hamburg this season.

The North Londoners could thus be forced to rejig their backline this summer, and they have set their sights on an experienced Serie A defender.

Tottenham are no longer the front-runners for Evan Ndicka

It emerged a couple of days ago that Tottenham had expressed an interest in landing Evan Ndicka this summer, but the Lilywhites’ pursuit of the Roma star has just got a lot more complicated.

This is according to a new report in Solo la Roma, which reveals that the centre-back is set to be the subject of a major bidding war this summer.

The outlet claims that Spurs had been leading the race for Ndicka since last summer, but Man United have now entered the equation and ‘altered the balance of the negotiations’.

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The Ivory Coast international is also being monitored by Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Besiktas. However, the Red Devils are ‘poised to leapfrog the competition’ as they eye an ‘immediate offer’ for the centre-back.

What fee would Roma demand for Ndicka?

Solo la Roma says that the Giallorossi’s management considers the former Eintracht Frankfurt man a ‘cornerstone’ of their project.

However, Roma’s position remains one of a ‘strategic wait-and-see’, as they need to balance their squad planning with their financial fair play constraints.

It is suggested that the Serie A club would be prepared to accept an offer of around €45m (£39m) for the 26-year-old defender.

Tottenham Hotspur have turned their attention to a young German centre-forward, but they face competition from Arsenal and clubs from abroad.

Goalscoring has been an issue all season at Tottenham, who have not managed to adequately replace Heung-min Son’s consistent numbers in the final third.

One would thus expect the Lilywhites to prioritise adding firepower to their forward line if they do end up staying in the Premier League.

Rumours are doing the rounds that Spurs have already started exploring deals for some strikers ahead of the summer, and another forward has now been added to the club’s shortlist.

Tottenham battling Arsenal and several European giants for Nicolo Tresoldi

Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has now revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring the situation of Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi ahead of the summer.

However, they are not the only ones interested, with Arsenal having made an enquiry for the 21-year-old, but not having held any advanced talks over a deal.

Additionally, Tresoldi, who has scored seven times and provided three assists in 34 league outings this term, is also said to be on the radar of Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and top Serie A sides.

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Finally, the journalist asserts that the Belgian club will let their star striker leave for around €25m-€30m (£21.7m-£26m) this summer

Plettenberg wrote on X: “Borussia Dortmund and Bayer 04 Leverkusen are closely monitoring 21 y/o striker Nicolo Tresoldi. Arsenal have made an enquiry about Tresoldi, but nothing further has developed at this stage and there are currently no advanced talks. Tottenham are monitoring the situation. Top clubs from Italy also keen. Tresoldi is currently valued at €25-30 million.”

Spurs could be set for wholesale changes in the striker department

Randal Kolo Muani is not expected to stay at Tottenham beyond the end of his loan spell this season after failing to hit the expected heights in the Premier League so far.

It has also been reported that Spurs are ready to cash in on Richarlison this summer, even though the Brazilian is currently the club’s top scorer this season.

It thus appears likely that the Lilywhites will rejig their attack this summer, with Roberto De Zerbi likely to want players who fit his system.

Former Tottenham Hotspur Dutch midfielder Rafael van de Vaart has now openly criticised Xavi Simons’ form at Spurs this season.

It has been a difficult season for Tottenham Hotspur, whose struggles have left them in a full-on relegation scrap.

Several players who should be performing at a higher level have looked poor this campaign, making individual mistakes that have proved costly.

In fact, for many fans, the standout performer of the season so far has not been a senior player, with Archie Gray receiving most of the plaudits.

Tottenham star Xavi Simons criticised by Rafael van der Vaart

Rafael van der Vaart has now openly criticised Tottenham’s summer signing Xavi Simons, who has struggled to leave his mark on this Spurs side.

As reported by De Telegraaf, Van der Vaart was speaking on Ziggo Sport’s Rondo, where he questioned Simons’ performances and admitted he expected far more from the 22-year-old.

“He disappoints me,” he said. “I had expected much more from him. He wants so badly to show how good he is. That has the opposite effect.

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“He was the young talent, and everyone was talking about him. He is still playing a bit like that.”

Spurs performances leave doubts over Xavi Simons impact

Simons has not been entirely poor and has shown his quality in games this season. One of his better performances came in the Champions League last-16 second leg tie against Atletico Madrid, where he ran the show and grabbed a brace.

However, so far this campaign, he has managed four goals and five assists in 38 games – well short of the 22 goals and 11 assists in 48 games for PSV, and the 22 goals and 24 assists in 78 games for RB Leipzig.

Van der Vaart, speaking via De Telegraaf, admitted he cannot understand the drop-off in form at Tottenham, referencing Simons’ previous spells in Germany and the Netherlands.

“At Leipzig he really had a good spell. Tottenham is nothing at all. After PSV, he also showed it in the Bundesliga,” he added.

Van der Vaart is not the only one unsure about Xavi Simons. Dutch icon Ruud Gullit has also been watching and has been left with questions as a result.

Speaking about the midfielder’s potential, Gullit suggested there is still uncertainty over his true level.

“He is hyped. I still do not really know how good he could be,” he concluded.

A young Tottenham Hotspur defender has endured a frustrating season, but he may have an opportunity to end the campaign strongly after recovering from his injury layoff.

Spurs have some extremely talented young players in their academy and first-team ranks, some of whom are currently out on loan.

Many of Tottenham’s young guns have been impressing at other clubs over recent months, hoping to catch the eye of the decision-makers in North London ahead of their summer return to Hotspur Way.

One Spurs defender has shown glimpses of his quality since his loan move in January, but he has endured an extremely frustrating time of late.

Tottenham youngster Kota Takai returns from injury

Takai joined Borussia Monchengladbach on loan back in January without making a single first-team appearance for Spurs.

The Tottenham youngster made a decent start to his spell at the Bundesliga club, but Takai picked up an injury earlier this month that has forced him to miss Gladbach’s last few matches.

It has now been revealed by Rheinische Post (as relayed by Sport Witness) that the Japanese defender is set to soon return to the pitch after putting his injury woes behind him.

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The outlet claims that Takai has now started training with his Gladbach teammates after overcoming his muscle problem.

While it is unclear if the Tottenham man will be available to feature in the club’s next game against Heidenheim on April 4, the youngster will be hoping to have a strong end to the season.

Borussia Monchengladbach want to retain Takai’s services

Due to injuries and an adaptation period, the Spurs defender has only featured four times in the Bundesliga since his January switch, having got just over 300 minutes under his belt for the German side.

However, reports indicate that Gladbach are already exploring the possibility of extending Kota Takai’s stay for one more season after being impressed with the glimpses of quality the Tottenham starlet has shown.

One would expect the centre-back’s possible return to the Bundesliga club next season to be contingent on how he performs in the final run-in for Eugen Polanski’s men.

Roberto De Zerbi wants a World Cup-winning legend, who is currently a free agent, to join his coaching staff at Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs did not waste any time since the sacking of Igor Tudor a couple of days ago, with the Lilywhites announcing Roberto De Zerbi as their next head coach on Tuesday.

The Italian has been handed an extremely lucrative long-term deal, which makes him one of the highest-paid managers in the Premier League.

The 46-year-old now faces the huge challenge of turning around the fortunes of a club that is without a league win in 2026 and somehow securing their top-flight status, and he wants the help of an Italian legend.

Roberto De Zerbi wants Alessandro Nesta to join him at Tottenham

According to TuttoSport, the former Brighton boss wants to add Italian icon Alessandro Nesta to his coaching staff at Spurs.

Nesta is considered one of the greatest Italian players of all time, being a key part of the Azzurri’s 2006 World Cup win, while also having an extremely decorated club career with AC Milan and Lazio.

Since hanging up his boots, the former Milan centre-back has gone into coaching, and his most recent role was as the head coach of Monza, whom he departed last summer after failing to keep the club in the Serie A.

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Nesta is now thought to be considering whether to accept De Zerbi’s offer and return to the game as an assistant at Tottenham Hotspur after nearly a year out of the sport.

De Zerbi is committed to Spurs for the long term

De Zerbi has signed a five-year contract at Tottenham, with no relegation break clause, which signals his long-term commitment to the job.

In fact, reports indicate that the Italian is ready to rebuild Spurs next season even if the club finds itself in the Championship.

Tottenham Hotspur’s next potential relegation six-pointer against Leeds United has now been rescheduled ahead of the Premier League run-in.

With Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial search concluded, and Roberto De Zerbi set to take charge for the remainder of the season on a five-year deal, attention now turns to what truly matters: avoiding relegation.

Tottenham currently find themselves a single point above the relegation zone and have seven matches to secure their Premier League status, as the relegation battle intensifies between themselves, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and West Ham United.

Spurs already fell short in their last relegation six-pointer, with Forest dismantling the Lilywhites 3-0 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last time out in the Premier League.

That defeat ultimately brought Igor Tudor’s time in the Tottenham dugout to an end, ushering in a new era under De Zerbi.

Tottenham vs Leeds United fixture rescheduled in Premier League

With the international break now coming to an end, the Premier League has confirmed a change in date and time for one of Spurs’ biggest encounters this season.

The updated fixture schedule has seen Tottenham’s potential relegation six-pointer with Leeds United rescheduled.

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The fixture was initially set to take place on Saturday, 9 May, but has now been moved to Monday, 11 May, with kick-off scheduled for 8 pm UK time at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs face crucial run-in ahead of Leeds United clash

Given the context of their respective seasons, this match-up could decide the fate of both clubs this campaign.

A victory for Tottenham could bolster their hopes of survival, while a defeat for Leeds could drag them further into the relegation race, which they are not far from.

However, before that fixture, Spurs must face Sunderland, Brighton, Wolves and Aston Villa – games in which they must secure results to keep their survival hopes alive before they take on Leeds United.

It was a good night for Tottenham duo Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall on Tuesday as Sweden competed in a World Cup play-off.

Tottenham have had an extremely busy few days, parting ways with Igor Tudor and bringing in Roberto De Zerbi in a desperate attempt to stay in the Premier League.

Many Spurs players would have been paying close attention to the events at Hotspur Way over recent days, but some were focused on much more immediate matters.

As many as six different Tottenham players saw their nations involved in World Cup playoffs over the past week, and two of them saw their dreams came true.

Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski could still be at the World Cup

After overcoming Ukraine in last week’s playoff semifinal, Sweden faced off against Poland at Stockholm on Tuesday night for a place in the World Cup.

It was an extremely entertaining encounter as the home side took the lead twice, only for the Poles to draw level soon on both occasions.

Viktor Gyokeres then scored a dramatic 88th-minute goal for Graham Potter’s side to seal their passage into the biggest tournament in football, sending the home fans into pandemonium.

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Bergvall, who started on the bench and came on as a 70th-minute substitute, was on cloud nine after the win, as you can see from his interview with a local station below:

Dejan Kulusevski hopes to be fit in time for the World Cup

Although he is out injured, Kulusevski met up with the Sweden camp ahead of their World Cup playoffs to support his teammates.

The Tottenham star revealed that his rehabilitation is now progressing well and has set his sights on being fit for the World Cup after spending almost a year on the sidelines.

Daniel Levy considered doing something drastic after being ousted from Tottenham Hotspur by the Lewis family last summer.

Despite departing from his role as Tottenham chairman last summer after nearly a quarter of a century at the helm, Levy is still linked to Spurs through his stake in ENIC.

The former Spurs chairman owns 29.88 per cent share in ENIC, the company which in turn holds 86.91 per cent of Tottenham Hotspur.

Reports over recent months suggest that Levy could sell his stake in ENIC, but a new update has now suggested that the former Tottenham chairman may be planning something very different.

Daniel Levy believes he has a claim to a bigger percentage of Tottenham

Bloomberg are now reporting that Levy has considered suing his former business partners after being thrown out of the club he ran for nearly two-and-a-half decades.

The report explains that Levy believes he owns more of ENIC than 29.88 per cent to reflect the work he has done to grow the club. The former Tottenham chairman is thought to believe he has a claim on a further 10 per cent or so.

A person familiar with the matter told the outlet that while those shares may be owned by the Lewis Trust, the ultimate beneficiaries may be the Levy family.

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It is said that Levy and Joe Lewis were so close from around 2002, the former ‘believed the business interests were understood to be split 50:50’.

Levy hired law firm to assess potential litigation against ENIC

Bloomberg say that a source close to the Lewis family has dismissed the idea that Levy is owed any additional shares in ENIC.

The report claims that the relationship between the Lewis family and the former Tottenham supremo had completely broken down by last year.

People close to the matter claim that ‘Levy has considered suing his former business partner after being unceremoniously thrown out of the club he ran’. It is said that, shortly after his dismissal, Levy hired the law firm, Proskauer, to assess a potential litigation against ENIC.

It appears that key figures at Tottenham at least considered Roberto De Zerbi’s controversial Mason Greenwood comments during the hiring process.

De Zerbi has now been confirmed as Tottenham’s next head coach, becoming the club’s third different boss to take charge of the club this season after Igor Tudor and Thomas Frank.

Spurs fans will be desperately hoping that the Italian can steer the club to safety, with the Lilywhites sitting on the brink of the relegation zone.

De Zerbi has expressed his excitement ahead of his new challenge at Tottenham, but he may have work to do to win over some Spurs fans.

Three Tottenham fan groups have expressed their opposition to De Zerbi’s appointment, questioning his fit with the values the club stands for.

The controversy surrounds the Italian’s past defence of Mason Greenwood, who moved to Marseille after he was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault, only for the charges to be dropped later due to the withdrawal of key witnesses.

De Zerbi said about Greenwood (via The Standard): “He’s a good guy, he paid a heavy price for what happened, a very heavy price. He has found the right environment for him. We have lent him a hand and given him affection.

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“He’s a little bit introverted but I know him and his family. It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described in England.”

BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel has revealed that Tottenham did consider the former Brighton boss’s comments about Greenwood before finalising his appointment.

This suggests that Vinai Venkatesham and the Spurs hierarchy may not have seen those comments or the misgivings of some Tottenham supporters as enough of a reason to stop the hiring process.

De Zerbi was the overwhelming first-choice for Spurs

Mokbel also reveals in BBC Sport’s live feed that the 46-year-old had always been Tottenham’s overwhelming first choice.

He says that the club tried to get De Zerbi through the door as soon as they sacked Thomas Frank, but a deal was not possible as the Italian himself had only just left Marseille.

Finally, the journalist confirms that despite his initial hesitance to jump into Tottenham immediately, De Zerbi ‘was always open’ to taking the Spurs job.

Roberto De Zerbi has already made up his mind on what he will do if he fails to keep Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

De Zerbi has officially been confirmed as the next Tottenham head coach, with the Italian now facing the big challenge of ensuring the club’s survival in the top-flight.

Some have expressed doubts over whether De Zerbi is the right man to steer the team through a relegation battle, but the Lilywhites have certainly shown plenty of faith in him, handing the newcomer a five-year deal.

Some sources have suggested that the Italian has no intention of managing Spurs in the Championship, but a journalist has now poured cold water over those claims.

Roberto De Zerbi is ready to manage Tottenham in the Championship

It emerged earlier today that De Zerbi’s Spurs contract contains no break clause in the event of the club’s relegation.

Journalist Sami Mokbel has now revealed on BBC Sport’s live feed that the new Spurs head coach is ‘fully committed to rebuilding the club’.

Having signed a five-year deal, he views the project as a long-term one and plans to stick around to build a competitive side.

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In fact, the journalists add that the Italian is committed to reshaping the team no matter which division they find themselves in next season.

Why Spurs settled on De Zerbi as their top choice

Mokbel also explains that the former Brighton boss’s experience in the Premier League, his style of play and his tactical acumen made him the Lilywhites’ top choice.

De Zerbi was always viewed as the best option for the long-term, and the Spurs leadership decided that it would not be the best for the squad to bring another interim through the door.

The decision was thus made to hire the 46-year-old immediately so that he has time to work with the current squad for some weeks before the plans are finalised for the summer window.