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Lucas Bergvall has outlined his intentions to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer after struggling for consistent gametime, although his definitive landing spot remains unknown

Tottenham Hotspur could look to swap Lucas Bergvall for Scott McTominay this summer, given their track record of interchanging players with Manchester United.

Bergvall has informed his current club that he hopes to leave North London this summer, after struggling for game time in the latter stages of 2025/26. The 20-year-old midfielder managed just 967 Premier League minutes in 28 appearances last season, coming off the bench in 12 matches.

And as a result, the Swedish star - who only joined Spurs in 2024 through an £85million deal with Djurgarden - looks to be on the move once more.

While the Lilywhites have been linked with a number of ambitious transfers this summer to strengthen the heart of their midfield, including Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, the board may instead opt to negotiate some sort of swap deal with Napoli for McTominay.

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While purely speculative at present - with no links of such a deal taking place - a number of the Premier League's greatest players have represented both United and Spurs historically, showing that the two clubs have a similar taste in terms of talent.

Dimitar Berbatov, Teddy Sheringham, Michael Carrick, Christian Eriksen and Louis Saha are among the star studded alumni of both clubs, for example, each of whom prolific for the Red Devils and the Lilywhites.

McTominay has thrived in Serie A since making the move to Napoli in 2024, winning a league title in his maiden season and a Supercoppa Italiana last term.

Under contract until 2028, however, a return to the Premier League may not be of interest to McTominay, who is clearly enjoying his time in Naples at present.

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It comes after football.london reported earlier this week that Spurs have been presented with another lucrative swap opportunity pertaining to Bergvall. As per the Athletic, Nottingham Forest have joined the race to sign the midfielder in the coming months as a potential replacement for Elliot Anderson, who has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United, among others.

Spurs made an effort to bring Morgan Gibbs-White to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last summer in a £60m move, only for the England international to sign a new contract at the City Ground until 2028.

Should the Lilywhites still hold an interest in adding Gibbs-White to their squad, it could provide an excellent opportunity for them to put a swap deal for Bergvall in action, potentially with a cash add-on.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed updates on the futures of Marcus Rashford and Joao Palhinha

Tottenham Hotspur could be set for a busy summer transfer window ahead, and there have been updates on two players who could join the club. Spurs have had a steady start to the summer already and could be set to make even more new additions to their squad in the weeks and months ahead.

Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi have both joined Tottenham on free transfers following their departures from Liverpool and Bournemouth, respectively.

Jan Paul van Hecke has also joined Tottenham on a permanent deal from Brighton for a fee believed to be worth around £52million.

Now, Tottenham have been handed fresh updates on more potential transfer business, with football.london taking a look at the latest reports.

Marcus Rashford interest

Tottenham are reportedly exploring the possibility of a deal to sign Manchester United star Marcus Rashford this summer.

Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, who chose not to activate the £26million option to buy clause that was available this summer.

The i Paper have now reported that Tottenham are expressing an interest in Rashford, despite not being willing to meet the Red Devils’ £40million asking price.

However, Spurs are reported to be looking at paying a lower fee for Rashford, should United be willing to do so.

What may prove to be a problem for Tottenham, though, is that Rashford is seemingly preferring a move abroad, with a return to Barcelona not out of the question, and Bayern Munich have been suggested as a potential destination.

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Joao Palhinha future

Joao Palhinha has reportedly expressed a desire for his future to be sorted as soon as possible amid uncertainty over whether he will return to Tottenham.

Palhinha spent last season on loan at Spurs from Bayern Munich, and the club have the option of signing the midfielder on a permanent deal, with reports suggesting a €30 million (£25.9m) fee.

A report in A Bola has claimed that Palhinha has instructed his representatives to find a solution to where he will be playing his football next season as soon as possible.

The report also claims that Tottenham are prepared to offer Palhinha an improved contract as they show their determination to keep the Portugal international at the club.

Roberto De Zerbi finally has the chance to begin installing the core principles of his philosophy into the Tottenham Hotspur squad.

Roberto De Zerbi could have as many as 17 players at his disposal when he walks through the doors at Hotspur Way on July 1. This summer, the 47-year-old, who replaced Igor Tudor with just seven Premier League games to spare last season, will finally have the chance to lay the foundations to his project.

There will be a strong English contingent on the training pitches in the early weeks of pre-season. Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, Conor Gallagher, and Archie Gray were left at home by Thomas Tuchel; meanwhile, Will Lankshear, Alfie Devine, and Mikey Moore will hope to make a good first impression following their respective loan spells.

Richarlison, who only has a year left on his contract, will have a point to prove as well, as he fights for his future in north London. As for Mathys Tel, he established himself as a key player under De Zerbi, so he'll be determined to build on a promising end to the season.

There could be a hole in the middle of the park, though, with Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr, and Rodrigo Bentancur at the World, Joao Palhinha yet to sign permanently, and Yves Bissouma no longer under contract.

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Sandro Tonali and Matheus Fernandes, who remain linked with moves to Tottenham, would certainly fill that gap. De Zerbi may also have a slightly lop-sided backline to begin with, comprising four left-backs – Andrew Robertson, who's recently signed from Liverpool on a free transfer, Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie, and Souza – and two centre-backs – Radu Dragusin and Ashley Phillips.

The Spurs boss will be spoiled for choice between the sticks, though, with Guglielmo Vicario, Antonín Kinský, and Brandon Austin all set to be available. That said, the former has been heavily linked with a move away from Tottenham.

The likes of Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski, and Mohammed Kudus may show face, but they're all nursing their respective injuries.

When De Zerbi took the reins in April, he was tasked with steadying the ship and, ultimately, keeping Tottenham in the English top flight. In his first press conference as Spurs head coach, he outlined his plan to build the players' confidence and promote a shift in mentality.

The Italian claimed that he had 'no time' to establish the core principles of his philosophy. So, instead, the Lilywhites went back to square one, with De Zerbi focused on organising the team with and without the ball.

He simply demanded 'character' and the 'right spirit', as well as the 'right courage to play and attack'. Six weeks or so later, when Tottenham had escaped relegation from the Premier League, De Zerbi immediately turned his attention to next season.

Speaking to reporters after a nervy win over Everton on the final day of the campaign, he claimed his side need to learn from the experience. De Zerbi said: "Will we be stronger for this? If we remember this day, for sure.

"Next season, we have to keep in our mind [what has happened], to give our best in every training session. If we remember this it will be easier."

He continued: "We have not to change too many players. We have 10, 11, 12 players who are good enough to stay – good enough as players and especially people. Then we have to complete the squad with the first-level of players because we suffer too much.

"We are Tottenham, and we can’t suffer like this until the last second of the last game to stay up. My target now is finished, to stay up. My [next] target is to start pre-season with the team in my dream, in my head."

Roberto De Zerbi wants a new striker this summer but one talented youngster within Tottenham Hotspur also wants to catch his eye

The days of footballers taking their foot off the gas in their summer break is a thing of the past and young Tottenham striker Will Lankshear is certainly proving that.

The pace and standard of elite football is so high now that players need to keep themselves ticking over with their fitness and sharpness during the summer break in order to hit the ground running when they return to pre-season training. Lankshear, who turned 21 at the end of April, is looking for a big follow-up season to his eye-catching campaign at Oxford United in the Championship and has been doing everything possible to be ready to catch Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi's eye this summer.

De Zerbi is understood to be looking for a new striker in the transfer window but there are also question marks over Richarlison's future at the north London club as the Brazilian approaches the final 12 months of his contract. The Tottenham head coach has admitted he is a big fan of Dominic Solanke so the England international looks to be set to remain, barring any huge offer that comes in.

If Richarlison was to go then there is a chance for a young natural striker to be the third option up top, with Lankshear and newly-capped Republic of Ireland international Mason Melia the most likely choices from within the club.

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Lankshear scored 12 goals for struggling Oxford last season on his first loan and football.london understands there is a lot of loan interest in the forward from the Premier League, Championship and abroad, although a top flight loan could be ruled out to ensure he gets regular starts to continue his development.

Spurs have so far turned away permanent offers for Lankshear, with Portuguese side Sporting among those having shown such interest as it would take a hefty fee to sign the young striker. If that does not arrive this summer than he is likely to head out on loan with a potential new contract after last season's exploits.

Lankshear has continued to work hard in the summer, working hard in Spain but also linking up back in the UK with UEFA-licensed striker coach Scott Chickelday for plenty of training sessions. Videos on social media show the 21-year-old working in the heat on the artificial turf at Harlow Town Football Club on his movement, turning and finishing with goals galore. Chickelday spent periods of time as an attacking coach at Aston Villa and MLS side Orlando Pirates after academy roles at both Spurs and QPR.

Lankshear is doing everything possible to impress De Zerbi when Tottenham return to pre-season training at Hotspur Way next month or at the worst he will hit the ground running on his next loan with more goals expected.

Since August 2021, when Tottenham Hotspur forked out £42.5m to sign Cristian Romero from Atalanta, the defender has missed 74 games for club and country due to injury.

Cristian Romero may not leave Tottenham Hotspur after all. The 28-year-old defender, who's faced an uncertain future in north London for a while now, aggravated a knee injury during Argentina's win over Austria at the AT&T Stadium in Texas on Monday night.

Romero missed the last six Premier League games of the season, but he was deemed fit enough to join La Albiceleste at the World Cup. He started each of the two opening group stage clashes, playing 80 minutes in the 3-0 victory against Algeria but just 57 minutes in the 2-0 win over Ralf Rangnick's side.

The Spurs captain managed no more than an hour against Austria, and he was replaced by Nicolas Otamendi. As it stands, the severity of the problem remains unclear, with Romero still due to undergo further examination, but he may not feature for Argentina again until the knockout stages of the tournament.

Lionel Scaloni's side, who have already qualified for the round of 32, will return to the AT&T Stadium on Sunday evening to face Jordan, dropping the curtain on the group stages. Speaking to reporters on Monday night, the Argentina boss confirmed that Romero had aggravated an injury.

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"We don’t know the extent of Cuti Romero’s issue; it’s something he’s been dealing with for a while now," said Scaloni. "We hope it’s nothing serious.

"Not only because he’s important, even though he can be replaced, but it’s always important to have everyone available. He’ll undergo tests tomorrow or the day after."

Romero later downplayed the injury, claiming he'll be ready to face Jordan. As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, he said: "I knew this could happen to me.

"I had a little issue there, I felt it again, but in three or four days I’ll be fine again, so that’s that. It’s nothing serious. Keep the head up, and I'll come back stronger than before."

Romero has been nursing the knee injury for a while now. At the end of last season, the Tottenham captain, who had been receiving treatment in Argentina, wasn't set to attend the relegation showdown against Everton until the very last minute, following backlash from supporters.

He was heavily scrutinised when it appeared that he would miss the final game of the campaign and instead watch his boyhood club, Belgrano, face River Plate in the Primera Division final on the same day. In the end, Romero returned to north London to watch the game that sealed top-flight status.

Speaking to football.london at the time, the Argentine's agent, Ciro Palermo, set the record straight. He said: "Any suggestion that the trip was made for the purpose of attending football matches is entirely inaccurate.

"More than that, it is a completely fabricated narrative being circulated by people who are unaware of the facts and have no knowledge of the rehabilitation plan that has been in place for weeks.

"Cristian's focus is, and has always been, on recovering as strongly as possible, preparing for the World Cup, and supporting Tottenham Hotspur in every way he can.

"His commitment to the club, his team-mates and the supporters has been evident throughout his time at Tottenham and remains unchanged."

A week or so prior, Roberto De Zerbi couldn't guarantee that Romero would still be at the club next season. Speaking to reporters ahead of the defeat at Stamford Bridge, the Spurs boss said: "First of all now the focus is Chelsea.

"Second point, Romero is a great player, and the most important is the behaviour and how much the player wants to stay in this club. We are going to take all the decisions after this season and after the Everton game."

Although Romero has been heavily linked with a move away from Tottenham, his latest setback could deter potential suitors from making a move this summer. Since Spurs signed the Argentine from Atalanta for £42.5m in August 2021, he's missed 364 days and 74 games for club and country due to injury...

Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign Mateus Fernandes who has also been linked with Tottenham and Manchester United

Liverpool have reportedly shown interest in Mateus Fernandes this summer, with the West Ham midfielder regularly being linked with a switch to either Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester United. Spurs have already made a busy start to their summer transfer window but could face competition for their next signing.

The signings of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers have already been completed following their departures from Liverpool and Bournemouth, and Jan Paul van Hecke has joined from Brighton for £52million.

Tottenham have been credited with an interest in signing Fernandes over the last few days, while Arsenal and Manchester United have also been mentioned as a potential destination throughout the summer.

Fernandes has not previously been linked with a switch to Liverpool this summer, but Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the Portugal international's situation.

Romano has claimed that Liverpool made a "call" to West Ham about the 21-year-old's future, and offered a hint as to the club's plans for the summer window.

"I will tell you something that was not so public in the recent days and weeks," Romano said on the Born 'N Red YouTube channel.

"Liverpool made a call two weeks ago to understand the situation Mateus Fernandes at West Ham, to understand the price and conditions, but they didn't return with any bid or any official conversation.

"But they made a call two weeks ago, I can guarantee that. Tottenham and Manchester United are busy with a deal, so there are so many clubs involved.

"The player is going to be expensive, more than £85million. It means Liverpool are working on midfielders."

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It remains to be seen if Liverpool will prove to be a contender to sign Fernandes and potentially compete with Tottenham for his signature.

In terms of midfield activity for the Reds, the spotlight has fallen on Curtis Jones, whose future at Anfield has become a talking point throughout the summer window.

Inter Milan have made their interest in the 25-year-old known, yet the Reds turned down a £21.7million approach from the Serie A outfit at the weekend.

The Italian club's offer fell considerably short of Liverpool's asking price, with the Anfield hierarchy believed to be holding out for a figure closer to £35million for the midfielder.

Tottenham had a horrendous season with another 17th-placed finish and one player stood above the rest for a former Spurs midfielder

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero should be sold because it was left to youngster Archie Gray to carry the club, believes former Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas.

Romero has been tipped to depart this summer after a campaign in which he played just 23 Premier League matches for Tottenham due to suspension and injury, with the club only escaping relegation on the final day of the season thanks to the arrival of new head coach Roberto De Zerbi and an upturn in results.

Midfielder Gray, who only turned 20 in March, played more games than Romero across the campaign and was named by the Spurs fans as their player of the season for his performances in driving the team on, although he featured less after De Zerbi's arrival.

With Spurs signing centre-backs Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke already this summer, ex-Tottenham and England midfielder Jenas believes that Romero will not be that much of a loss if he is sold in the months ahead.

"I just don't think you can rely on him as a captain. I don't believe in him from a captain's point of view or a leadership point of view. Do you have games where you look at Romero and go 'God, I'm glad he's in my team?' Of course you do. But I just think some of his antics at the end of the season, you know, the sendings-off... it was just not what the club needed at that point.

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"They needed somebody who could carry that club and take a lot on their chin. Instead, it ended up being Archie Gray - one of the youngest players at the club - who was carrying the can for a large period of time," Jenas told 10bet .

"I had Alan Shearer when I was at Newcastle. When I came to Spurs, I had Ledley King and Robbie Keane in captaincy roles. I was vice-captain at both clubs, so we never really had wallies, if you know what I mean.

"With Romero, look - the players probably like him, right? But there's definitely a part of you that just looks at him and goes, "He's not a captain." So it's hard for the players because they're in the dressing room with him week-in, week-out, and I'm sure he riles them up and he's there for them.

"It's easy for me to talk from where I am now, but I still hear stuff - Tottenham is my club, I still hear things. And I know that if I was asked this question right now and I wasn't hearing what I'm hearing from inside, then I'd be saying, "No, he's top, keep him." But I hear the opposite. So I wouldn't be bothered if he stays or goes."

Tottenham Hotspur could offer several players in a swap deal as part of their pursuit to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali

Tottenham Hotspur could have several routes to help meet Newcastle United’s asking price for Sandro Tonali. The Italian midfielder has emerged as an ambitious target for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

Spurs have made a quick start to their summer rebuild, bringing in Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi as free agents and sealing a move for Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke. Tonali would be a marquee signing for Spurs, who reportedly face competition from Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal for his signature.

Tottenham submitted an £80million bid for the 26-year-old, which was rejected by Newcastle. It is claimed that the Magpies value the star midfielder at closer to £100m.

However, the Daily Mail reports that Tonali wants to explore his options this summer, making the player’s feelings clear about a possible move away from St James’ Park. Although Newcastle are demanding a sizeable sum, Spurs could choose to meet the club’s valuation by offering up players as part of a swap deal. Here are three stars who could possibly help the Spurs land one of their top targets by getting a fresh start at Newcastle.

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Guglielmo Vicario

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been linked with a move away from Spurs this summer. The 29-year-old has been touted with a return to Italy but Newcastle could also be searching for a new shot-stopper.

Eddie Howe’s side have already signed French prospect Ewen Jaouen but may still be in the market for a more experienced option. ChronicleLive has reported that Nick Pope’s future is uncertain and Vicario would help solve Newcastle’s goalkeeping conundrum.

The Italy international made 31 league appearances for Spurs last term but suffered an injury towards the end of the season, allowing Antonin Kinsky to impress in his absence. While Spurs would have to replace Vicario, sanctioning a move to Newcastle could benefit all parties if Tonali also heads in the opposite direction.

Lucas Bergvall

Lucas Bergvall would offer Newcastle an instant fix to Tonali’s exit. The 20-year-old midfielder struggled for regular minutes last season but had previously impressed for Spurs.

The Athletic reported that Bergvall has informed Tottenham of his desire to leave this summer after falling down the pecking order under De Zerbi. However, the Sweden international could soon thrive again in a new environment.

Newcastle have boasted an impressive central midfield for several years and Bergvall could ensure that continues even after Tonali’s exit. The former Spurs supporters’ player of the year would freshen up Howe’s options, while his age could also see Newcastle make a significant profit in the future.

Richarlison

Newcastle’s striker options were a cause for concern throughout last season. Alexander Isak’s summer transfer saga concluded on deadline day and the Magpies missed out on several targets before recruiting Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.

Woltemade made a positive start but subsequently endured long droughts, ending his first Premier League season with eight goals. Meanwhile, Wissa scored a solitary league goal after his big-money move from Brentford.

Lucas Bergvall could leave Tottenham for a sizeable fee this summer which could help Roberto De Zerbi complete some big transfers

Tottenham could sign Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford with the £45million they want to sell Lucas Bergvall. The Spurs midfielder is believed to have asked the club to sanction an exit this summer as he searches for more first-team football which has seen a whole host of European sides take note.

Nottingham Forest and Chelsea are two Premier League clubs that have been linked while Barcelona, who Bergvall opted against joining for Spurs, could renew their interest. The Spanish club currently seem more focused on Marcus Rashford following his superb loan spell.

However, having signed Anthony Gordon on a permanent deal from Newcastle, finances are tight which makes it more likely Rashford heads elsewhere.

And now Tottenham has emerged as a potential destination for the 28-year-old with United demanding £40m, a figure that they could afford if the £45m asking price, as per The Independent, for Bergvall is met.

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With links to Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes ramping up, it is perhaps no surprise that Bergvall - who played just 113 minutes under De Zerbi - is considering his options.

Newcastle have already turned down a bid from Spurs for Tonali while Manchester United target Fernandes is firmly on radar. It has been claimed that both deals are separate.

Bergvall's eagerness to seal a departure has likely only been furthered by Yasin Ayari starting ahead of him at the World Cup for Sweden following 21 Premier League starts for Brighton.

It has already been a very busy summer transfer window for Roberto De Zerbi and Co. with free agents Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson followed into the club by Jan Paul van Hecke.

Negotiations with Brighton for the latter have opened the door to Croatian wonderkid Luka Vuskovic heading in the opposite direction.

Spurs have rejected two bids so far while Vuskovic, who is included in the 2025/26 Bundesliga team of the season, is said to want the move.

The future of Cristian Romero is also up for debate following Spurs' centre-back arrivals and a troubling first campaign as club captain.

Pape Matar Sarr is another young talent that could depart while Pedro Porro squashed Manchester City rumours by signing a new contract

The Tottenham Hotspur full-back has had a summer to remember after a tough season as he made his World Cup debut for England

Djed Spence believes that his Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi is very similar to his England boss Thomas Tuchel in how they have achieved plenty without too much time with their players.

De Zerbi only arrived at Spurs in April and managed to save them from relegation with a quick turnaround in results while Tuchel has got England in good form with only the brief times an international manager gets with their players before the more concentrated period during a World Cup.

On Tuchel's management, Spence told talkSPORT: "I think he's a great manager, he's a great guy. Very detailed in what he wants to do. I think the boys really love him and have a great respect for him.

"It’s like what he always says, we’re building a family, we’ve built a brotherhood within the team, everyone has one dream, one brain. I think everyone is on the same path. We can do special things. I think he’s built that environment with this squad."

When asked about De Zerbi's impact at Tottenham, the full-back added: "He's brought pretty much the same [as Tuchel]. He's come in and brought a good vibe. Again a togetherness that we felt as a squad towards the end of the season. Very similar approach. Two great managers really. Two great people and great personalities."

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A clip of Tuchel and Spence, who made his World Cup debut in the 4-2 win against Croatia, went viral this week with the England boss shouting at the defender repeatedly to "wake up" during a training session in front of the media. Spence took the feedback from his manager in the way it was intended though and has admitted in other interviews that it was a passing drill where he missed a couple of the zones.

"Yeah, I think it's normal. He's a great manager and he wants the best from his players. He demands high standards, and for this tournament, we need to be ready, we need to be on it. I think every session needs to be up to high quality and that's what he demands. It's good," he said.

"I wouldn't be the only one he says it to, and he says it to everyone else. No, no, no feeling, it's just part of the game. If he needs me to do whatever, I'll do it. It's just part of the game, really."