Football London

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will play host to a friendly for Roberto De Zerbi's squad just before the new Premier League season begins

Tottenham have confirmed that they will host Bundesliga side TSG 1899 Hoffenheim twice on the weekend before their new Premier League season kicks off under Roberto De Zerbi.

The north London club's pre-season schedule has begun to flesh out in recent weeks and they announced on Monday that they will first be playing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against Hoffenheim on Saturday August 15, with the kick-off at 3pm. That game against the German side will provide a strong warm-up for their Premier League opener at Brentford a week later.

Spurs will then also play Christian Ilzer's team again the following day on Sunday 16 August in a behind-closed-doors game at their Hotspur Way training complex to ensure another Tottenham starting XI of players gets a strong run-out to improve their fitness and sharpness for De Zerbi.

Hoffenheim finished fifth in last season’s Bundesliga table to qualify for the Europa League again, with Spurs having beaten them in the competition last year on the way to winning the competition with a 3-2 victory in Germany. Spurs have confirmed that the tickets for the friendly match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will cost £20 for adults and £5 for children.

The friendly against Hoffenheim could also give the home fans the opportunity to see the club's new signings for the first time. So far Spurs have signed Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka on free transfers as well as sealing a £52million deal with Brighton for Jan Paul van Hecke.

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Barring injury, all four of those players should be back in pre-season training by that point, including the three at the World Cup, due to the three weeks' rest given after an international tournament and the World Cup final taking place on July 19. That means the Spurs supporters could see all four involved in some capacity against Hoffenheim, with the Lilywhites also looking to agree more transfers for players further up the pitch including Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and potentially Savinho among others.

In the weeks before, Spurs are hosting League One outfit MK Dons in a training ground friendly at Hotspur Way on Wednesday July 22.

Very quickly after that game, Tottenham will fly off to New Zealand to take on Auckland FC on Sunday, July 26 at Eden Park. The following day, De Zerbi's men will head to Australia to begin training for a fixture against A-League side Sydney FC on Wednesday, July 29 at the Allianz Stadium.

Then to close out their summer tour Down Under Tottenham will meet London rivals Chelsea for the first time outside the UK as part of the 2026 Sydney Super Cup.

Now Spurs know they will have another strong friendly fixture to prepare for the new Premier League season as Hoffenheim come to N17.

Djed Spence is starring for England at the World Cup but it's possible the Tottenham defender departs north London this summer

Djed Spence thrives on proving people wrong. So much so, he's always kept a mental note of anyone that has written him off.

Thomas Tuchel is certainly not on that list and now the German needs his versatile full-back, who can operate on either side of defence, more than ever. Reece James has been rocked by a cruel hamstring issue while Jarell Quansah sustained an ankle problem in England's 2-0 triumph over Panama on Saturday.

It means, barring any major surprise, Spence is now the Three Lions' first-choice right-back heading into the World Cup knockout stages.

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There have been so many instances where that mere concept was far beyond even Spence's wildest imagination. Neil Warnock lambasted Spence during their time together at Middlesbrough when the veteran boss claimed he would either be "Premier League or Non League."

He saw something and he wasn't wrong. Things then became difficult for the right-back upon arrival at Tottenham as Antonio Conte publicly insisted that Spence was not his signing.

That was certainly one way to shatter his confidence. The 25-year-old's attitude and application was then thrown into question by Daniel Farke when the former's Leeds loan spell was terminated six months prematurely in January 2024.

Spence enjoyed spells overseas with Stade Rennes, where he played alongside France superstar Desire Doue, and Genoa. Both experiences were worthwhile.

Slowly but surely, Spence has not only rebuilt his reputation but is now finally starting to fulfil his potential. Sceptics and critics still remain, however.

Spence made a big impression from the bench against Croatia in Dallas following an explosive cameo before then earning a start in the goalless draw with Ghana. He also earned respect in some quarters for going against the grain - the rest of his international team-mates - and snubbing a pre-match handshake with Thomas Partey.

Nobody envisaged Spence, who was a surprise pick, to become key to England's hopes of World Cup glory. If anything, his qualities are made for knockout football.

He relishes duels, likes to frustrate opponents and also loves to 'lock wingers up' in his self-confessed 'penitentiary' - as he alludes to on Instagram. For Spence, the prospect of potentially going toe-to-toe with Vinicius Junior against Brazil in Miami later in the competition for instance, is one that will excite him.

Unlike Ezri Konsa, Quansah or Trevoh Chalobah, mobile Spence is also a threat when building attacks, outside of set-pieces. He's a mazy and tricky dribbler and has also featured as a make-shift winger and wing-back at club level.

Everton are eyeing a swoop for the England international but on the back of this World Cup, Tottenham would be silly to consider cashing in on their dependable full-back, who penned a long-term contract last August. His stock is only expected to increase from here on in.

Tottenham want to strengthen their midfield this summer and they could move into action after Manchester United's latest update

Tottenham's bid to sign Mateus Fernandes may have been impacted after Manchester United's latest statement. The Lilywhites have eyed a move for the West Ham star and are set to face competition from the Red Devils for his signature.

United, like Spurs, are keen to strengthen their midfield but could yet see their plans required to change. Michael Carrick's side have confirmed that Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte has sustained a knee ligament injury.

The international star is set to return to Europe to commence his rehabilitation under the supervision of United's medical team after picking up the injury during the World Cup. Ugarte was carried off on a stretcher during his nation's 1-0 loss to Spain, which eliminated them from the competition.

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The 25-year-old now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, having been seen in a wheelchair as he departed the Estadio Akron. Reports from Uruguay indicate that scans have confirmed the devastating news of an ACL tear.

United said in a statement: "Manchester United can confirm that Manuel Ugarte has suffered a knee ligament injury whilst representing Uruguay in Friday's World Cup group-stage match against Spain.", reports the Manchester Evening News.

"Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the best course of treatment and the rehabilitation timescale. Everyone wishes Manuel a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way."

The news represents a significant blow for both player and club, with Ugarte having appeared likely to depart this summer. The Uruguay international has found it difficult to establish himself at Old Trafford since arriving at the club in 2024 for a fee that could rise to £50.5million.

Any potential move from United could now in serious jeopardy. While United's need for a new midfielder could be seen as more pressing, they are now going to be unable to bolster their funds with Ugarte's sale.

And that could leave Spurs with a more direct path to Fernandes, with the north London side perhaps being able to outspend their rivals. Fernandes' price could also be driven down if the competition for his signature decreases.

United, meanwhile, have already committed some funds to another midfielder, with Ederson poised to join the club from Atalanta. An agreement has been reached to secure the player for an initial fee of £35million plus a further £3.8million in add-ons.

Ederson is expected to sign a four-year contract with the club, including an option to extend by an additional year. After receiving a late call-up to Brazil's squad following an injury to Wesley, Ederson confirmed the transfer was nearing completion.

Speaking to Tuttosport, he said: "It's practically almost all sorted."

He added: "I have to make the most of this moment. I am here and it is a wonderful thing, something you must always live to the fullest."

Tottenham are looking for further additions in the summer transfer window as Roberto De Zerbi tries to build a squad that can really compete

Tottenham must make a move for Liverpool star Cody Gakpo to address a problem area in Roberto De Zerbi's squad, reckons former Spurs full-back Alan Hutton.

The north London club have been linked with the 27-year-old Dutch attacker, who netted nine goals and provided six assists for Liverpool last season as they faltered under Arne Slot, who has since been replaced by Andoni Iraola. Gakpo's Anfield future remains unclear despite having four years left on his contract and Spurs have been tipped to make a move for the £60million-rated Netherlands international who has been impressing at the World Cup.

Former Tottenham defender Hutton believes that making an approach for the attacker, who can play on the left wing or up front, is a no-brainer.

"Gakpo would definitely add quality and address a problem area for Tottenham, especially for the last few seasons when Odobert was out, Kudus was out, Kulusevski was out. Decent players for them and they need more in wide areas. They need more goals coming from wide areas, they need more supply for the likes of Solanke and Richarlison," he told Betarades.

"I think Gakpo would bring that along with experience and a winning mentality. He's been used to the pressure and he can handle it. But not only can he play wide but if you need him to play through the middle, he can do that as well. That is another strength that can always help the team move forward."

"Getting these types of quality players who've been there, seen it and done it is only going to lift them to the next level and it's something that they need because the last two seasons just haven't been good enough."

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Hutton also believes that his compatriot, Spurs' new signing Andy Robertson, will make a big impact both on and off the pitch at his old club.

"One thing I would expect, knowing him, he'll expect to play. I know that's not a given but he will come in with that attitude that he wants to play every single week. He'll train and perform at a high level. He is such an experienced player in terms of playing for the Scottish national team, playing for a Liverpool side that won almost everything. He's used to that big game mentality and the pressure that comes with it, the crowd expecting to win trophies year in and year out. And I think that can only help Tottenham," he said.

"He's a leader. He's the Scotland captain. I'm sure he was a big personality in that Liverpool dressing room that had huge characters anyway. That's something I feel they've been missing for a number of years. Not enough leaders, not enough characters that can voice their opinion and I think that's what he brings."

He added: "On the pitch, it's obvious. His quality going forward, he can deliver balls into the box which attacking players feed off - I think they need more of that. Just his all-round ability to lift the squad.

"When I was at Villa, for example, and John Terry came in - as soon as he walked in the door, even though he was an older player, I remember that everyone sat up, took notice of everything he said and believed in it because he was a serial winner and I feel that Andy Robertson will have a similar presence."

With the climax of the World Cup knockout stages prompting some resignations, Ange Postecoglou has been linked with a new post

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is the third favourite to takeover as manager of Scotland. At the time of writing, the Australian is 6/1 to takeover from Steve Clarke.

Clarke resigned from his post after failing to get the Scots out of the group stages. He leaves having beaten Haiti 1-0 but losing 1-0 to Morocco and 3-0 to Brazil.

The ex-Chelsea assistant manager lost a lot of confidence within his country's fan-base, with many feeling his style of play was too defensive and negative. If Postecoglou was handed the reins, their football would swing dramatically from one style to another.

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At 6/1, according to Bet365, Postecoglou is firmly in the mix to become the leader of the Tartan Army. Only ex-Scotland forward Steven Naismith (7/2) and Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann (5-1) are ahead of the ex-Spurs chief.

As well as being a free agent after his sacking by Nottingham Forest last season, Postecoglou also has pedigree in Scottish and international football. Before he joined Spurs, the 60-year-old won two Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish League Cups and one Scottish Cup.

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He has also managed the Australian national team at multiple levels and was in charge in the 2014 World Cup.

As well as the aforementioned managerial trio, John McGlynn (6/1), Millwall manager Alex Neil (7/1), former West Ham boss and current Everton manager David Moyes (8/1) and many more are also listed as potential candidates.

When Clarke resigned from his post shortly after Scotland's World Cup elimination was confirmed, he said in a statement: "The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players, without whom we wouldn’t have had any of the memories that we’ve accumulated from 2019 until now.

"They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their Gaffer. Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor.”

Postecoglou has spoken out about how much he enjoyed Celtic, but ruled out a return to Parkhead. While he did not mention anything about the Scotland job, his love for Scottish football was evident.

In a previous interview, he said: "For two years, to be within a community that is so passionate, and it's crazy how passionate they are, obviously I was fortunate enough to have success.

"It's a positive experience and I loved every minute of it. I look back on it fondly but... I won't go back. It's not how my career plays out."

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali may not be granted his wish if he makes a move to Tottenham this summer

Sandro Tonali continues to be linked with a summer move to Tottenham Hotspur as Roberto De Zerbi looks to build a squad capable of competing for Europe rather than relegation in the Premier League next season.

De Zerbi ensured Spurs stayed in the English top flight last campaign and was clear in what he wants to happen over the summer when speaking after the final day win over Everton. "I'm looking forward to building a new team. I'm looking forward to calling these players, to speak with them and to introduce the new season and to speak with the new players we have to bring," the Italian said.

"We are lucky to stay here, and we have to compete in the best way we can. We have to organise the next season, we have to build a stronger team. Now we have to move on and to prepare the future of our club."

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Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka have already been signed on free transfers, while Jan Paul van Hecke joined from Brighton in a deal worth £52million. De Zerbi is now eyeing reinforcements further up the pitch, with the club in talks with Newcastle over a £100million move for Tonali.

The Lilywhites have already had a bid in the region of £80million rejected for the midfielder, but talks are ongoing and a second bid is expected. Tonali joined the Magpies from AC Milan in 2023 for around £55million plus add-ons and he has gone on to make more than 100 appearances for the club.

A box-to-box midfielder capable of playing as a No.6 and No.8, Tonali would really be an upgrade on Spurs' current options and would fit the style of play De Zerbi wants to implement. Sadly for the former Brescia man, though, he may not get his dream shirt number if he is to move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tonali has worn the No.8 shirt in the previous six seasons, both at AC Milan and Newcastle. He did wear No.4 for two seasons while at Brescia, but the fact he has a No.8 tattooed on the middle finger of his left hand tells you all you need to know about his favourite number.

But earlier this week Tottenham announced that Conor Gallagher will wear the No.8 on his back from the 2026/27 season, changing from the No.22 shirt he has worn since moving to the club in January. “It’s an honour to wear the number eight shirt,” Gallagher said.

“I’ve never actually worn it at club level in my career, so I’m excited – it’s always been my favourite number. Some of my favourite footballers growing up also wore eight, so I’m looking forward to pulling on the jersey for this fantastic club. I’m hoping for a big season and to make our fans proud.”

Yves Bissouma previously wore the No.8 shirt but now it belongs to Gallagher and not Tonali if he is to make the move. Currently, the numbers available are; 2, 5, 12, 16, 18, 22, 25, 26, 27, 32, 34, 35 and 36.

It remains to be seen if Tonali would prefer any of these numbers. He may go for 18 because it includes the number eight, while 26 may be an option because those numbers make number eight when added together.

Regardless, Tottenham still need to get a deal done and fans will be hoping an announcement comes sooner rather than later.

Tottenham have brought in plenty of experience and leaders in the summer transfer window so far and one has been tipped to become captain

Andy Robertson could become Tottenham captain if Cristian Romero leaves the club, believes his former Scotland skipper Charlie Mulgrew.

Spurs identified a lack of leadership within the north London outfit and have moved to rectify it this summer with the experienced Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka all quickly brought in on free transfers along with a £52million transfer for Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.

After an impressive display in the opening victory against Haiti, Robertson and his Scotland side look to be heading out of the World Cup barring a miracle after defeats to Morocco and Brazil. The 32-year-old came off at half-time in the latter match with ice on an ankle injury.

Robertson will arrive at Spurs this summer after nine years at Liverpool in which he won everything possible with two Premier League titles, the Champions League, an FA Cup triumph and two League Cups to his name.

Mulgrew believes that if Tottenham captain Romero were to depart as expected this summer then Scotland skipper Robertson could step in as the man with the armband.

"He'll definitely add to Spurs. They'll be happy to have somebody like Andy Robertson. He's in his 30s now, but nowadays that's still young, he's still got a lot of years in him. Could he go in as the captain there? Why not? I mean, I don't know the dynamics of that changing room and who the leaders are, but Andy's proved he can captain teams or be a vice-captain. He can be that leader. Without knowing the dynamics in there, I think that he can do it. Why not?"

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The former Celtic and Blackburn centre-back was surprised Liverpool let his former international team-mate go but believes it is Roberto De Zerbi's gain.

"He’s not just a great player, he's a leader and somebody that's almost been like a vice-captain or definitely in one of the leadership groups in there alongside Van Dijk. So, yeah, I'm surprised they let him go. It was a strange one for me. Every time he stepped in, and we talk about good teammates and being able to handle having less game time, I think Andy would be one of them. He proved it, he came on and he made big contributions in games for Liverpool, so I'm surprised that they've let him go," he said.

"He could definitely still add to that squad but he's moved on to another big club and I'm sure he'll prove his worth there. I would imagine Spurs, and he's going to add to that squad. A change of scenery, a change of life for him, goes to London. I'm sure Andy Robertson will be excited about that as well.

"The prospect, once he's got his head around leaving Liverpool, then I think it's a great move for him to go to a team like Spurs who will be aiming for the top five, you would imagine, next year."

football.london's writers debate who Tottenham should look to sign next after the club announced their fourth summer signing of the summer earlier this week

Tottenham Hotspur announced their fourth summer signing this week as Martin Dubravka signed on a free. The 37-year-old will leave Burnley when his contract expires on July 1 and will officially become a Spurs player to add much-needed experience to Roberto De Zerbi's squad.

Dubravka is Tottenham's third free transfer of the summer, with Andy Robertson and Marco Senesi joining from Liverpool and Bournemouth, respectively. Centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke has also joined the north Londoners for £52million from Brighton as Johan Lange gets to work quickly despite the World Cup rumbling on.

Business is not expected to stop there, though. More exits are expected and incomings, too, with the likes of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Savinho all linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

So, who should Tottenham look to sign next? football.london's writers have their say, below!

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Alasdair Gold

I'm still trying to come to terms with the fact that Spurs have made four signings before June has even come to a close. The next signing needs to be a real statement sent out to the rest of the Premier League that Tottenham are here to compete again rather than be the laughing stock.

They want both Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes and with the finances involved for either as well as the high level competition looking to get them, either and certainly both would make that statement.

If Tottenham reach the £100million mark for a transfer, which it would cost to sign Tonali, then it's ripping apart their record by £35million and it's showing everyone inside and outside the club that they are willing to spend like the big boys to land a player who would step up their midfield by a number of levels.

That's the transfer I would push for first but any Spurs fan would be happy if the very talented Fernandes turned up before that deal is done. There's only the small matter though of seeing off Manchester City and United for both players, and potentially Real Madrid.

Sam Truelove

What an exciting summer this could be for Tottenham. It appears that the club have cash to spend in order to make some much-needed improvements to the starting XI. And after two consecutive 17th place finishes in the Premier League, boy are they needed.

The four players already signed are very good additions, with all of them boasting Premier League experience. I would stick to that trend and go all out and try and sign Sandro Tonali. I really like the Newcastle United man as he offers everything you want in a midfielder.

Yes, he's going to cost around £100million but the fact Spurs are in the conversation to sign the Italian just shows their intent for the 2026/27 season. I would also probably sign a new striker, but Tonali I see as more of a priority.

Jake Stokes

Tottenham Hotspur should make Sandro Tonali the fifth signing of the summer. The Newcastle United star would be a great addition, bringing the quality, physicality, leadership, and mentality Roberto De Zerbi needs in his midfield to help Spurs return to the Champions League.

Whether he's breaking the lines, breaking up play or making late runs into the box, Tonali can do it all. The Italy international can play as a six and an eight, giving the Lilywhites boss the freedom to make tactical and enforced changes during games.

Of course, Tottenham will need to break the bank, but they can't afford to miss out on a player of his quality. After back-to-back relegation scares, Spurs must be bold in the transfer window; Tonali would be the cherry on top after a great start to the summer.

World Cup 2026 is in full swing, and some of its brightest stars will play their way onto the transfer list of clubs like Tottenham

World Cup 2026 will no doubt produce some gems whose transfer stock skyrockets after the competition. Tottenham have pounced to sign similar performers in the past.

Even though most of Europe's finest are currently competing in North America, transfer speculation continues. Spurs have already made some shrewd acquisitions this summer and on Wednesday, announced their fourth summer arrival.

So far, Roberto De Zerbi's side have snapped up Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on free transfers. They also parted with £52million for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

But once World Cup 2026 concludes, there may be some stars who shone so brightly that Tottenham's heads are turned. This has happened before, as football.london takes a look at players Spurs have signed after their exploits at World Cups.

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Brennan Johnson - World Cup 2022

Tottenham spent £47.5m when they signed Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest in September 2023, just a few months after he impressed for Wales at World Cup 2022.

The winger came off the bench for the Welsh in every one of their group games. This was Wales' first trip to a World Cup since 1958. His pace and directness were there for all to see and he was a bright spark for his country, who drew with the USA and lost their other two group matches to Iran and England.

Spurs pulled the trigger and although his time in N17 wasn't groundbreaking, he did grab the goal that won them the Europa League final in 2025, beating Manchester United 1-0. Johnson left the club in January 2026 and joined Crystal Palace for £35m, having been Tottenham's top goal-scorer during the 2024/25 campaign.

William Gallas - World Cup 2010

France may have endured a dismal World Cup 2010, finishing dead last in their group and losing to Mexico and South Africa. But they perhaps wouldn't have been there without William Gallas, who signed for Tottenham, despite being a former Arsenal player, soon after the tournament ended.

In 2009, France faced the Republic of Ireland in a two-legged play-off, with the winner heading to South Africa. With things locked at 1-1 on aggregate in the second leg, a now-infamous moment, dubbed the Hand of Gaul, took place.

Thierry Henry chased down a deep free kick in extra time and used his hand to control the ball. He squared it across the face of goal and Gallas headed home, sending his country to the World Cup in the most controversial of circumstances.

Although he wasn't quite a hero at the tournament proper, he did start every single minute and Spurs signed him on a free transfer after his Arsenal contract expired in the summer. He had also played for Chelsea, but enjoyed his time with Tottenham, making 78 appearances and being handed the armband on occasion.

Jurgen Klinsmann - World Cup 1994

Jurgen Klinsmann's arrival marked an immense coup for the club, after he had set the pitch alight with Germany at World Cup 1994. The striker bagged five goals in just five games, exiting in the quarter-finals, and was one of Europe's finest marksmen at the time.

Then-Spurs chairman Sir Alan Sugar wanted to make a statement that summer and did, convincing Klinsmann to leave Monaco for north London in a £2m deal.

He did not disappoint either, scoring 30 goals in all competitions, becoming renowned for his belly slide celebration and winning the FWA Footballer of the Year award.

Klinsmann was also runner-up to George Weah in the 1995 Ballon d'Or and soon left for Bayern Munich. He returned in 1997 to almost single-handedly save the club from relegation, writing his name once again into Spurs folklore.

Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa - World Cup 1978

On the subject of coups, Tottenham's double signing of Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa in 1978 didn't just change the club's trajectory, but the entire landscape of English football.

Until 1978, there was a strict ban on British clubs signing players from abroad. This was lifted right after the World Cup and Spurs manager Keith Burkinshaw swiftly flew to Argentina and pulled off the ultimate package deal.

Ardiles and Villa were signed for a combined £750,000, right after the pair had helped guide Argentina to the World Cup title. Both are uncontested Tottenham legends, having helped the club win the 1981 FA Cup and the 1984 UEFA Cup.

Villa left Tottenham in 1983 and will never be forgotten for his goal in the 1981 FA Cup final replay against Manchester City. Ardiles remained a Spurs player for a decade and even returned to manage them in 1993.

It has already been a busy summer transfer window at Tottenham and that looks set to continue, with Lucas Bergvall linked with an exit

Manchester United have been urged to consider signing Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall this summer.

The 20-year-old, who only arrived from Djurgarden in 2024 in an £8.5million move, has told the club he wishes to move on this summer. The Sweden international is currently playing at the World Cup but is said to see his future away from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after limited game time under Roberto De Zerbi at the back end of the 2025/26 season.

Bergvall's current market value is around £50million and he is under contract until 2031. Tottenham are said to be in the market for a new central midfielder this summer, too. The club have held talks with Newcastle for £100million-rated midfielder Sandro Tonali and want to bring in West Ham star Mateus Fernandes, whfo has a £85million price tag.

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Former Man Utd and England star Nicky Butt believes the Red Devils should look at signing Bergvall this summer, with the Lilywhites perhaps a better fit for someone like Fernandes.

Butt, speaking exclusively to Paddy Power, said: “[Mateus] Fernandes is a fantastic player. I loved him at West Ham when I watched him, but when it comes to Man United, he's not going to be playing instead of Bruno Fernandes.

“I'm pretty sure the people around him will also be telling him that. He will want to kick on and become one of the best in the Premier League - his next move might then be to Real Madrid or Barcelona or wherever.

“If he goes to Tottenham, he's going to be the main man, one of the best players. Plus he’ll be on a fortune and living in London. I like Lucas Bergvall a lot. It looks like Elliot Anderson is going to Man City but United are still going for someone who can get about the pitch and be box to box.

“He’s pretty proven in the league and Scandinavian players always adapt very well. He's powerful. He can run. I think he'd be a good player for Man United. It all depends on the price. But put that to one side and he's a very good player. Another player that can get around the pitch and do what a Man United player needs to do.”