Football London

Tottenham have been linked with the Brazilian winger and one of his compatriots has backed him to complete the transfer to north London

Savinho should leave Manchester City for Tottenham Hotspur, reckons former City and Brazil striker Jo.

Spurs have been linked with Savinho since the winter window earlier this year when they were unable to prise him away from the Manchester side. Now the north London club have been tipped to make a second run at signing the 22-year-old Brazilian, who missed out on his country's squad for the World Cup this summer.

A thigh problem fragmented Savinho's campaign last time out for City under then boss Pep Guardiola, but he has still played 84 times for the club with 16 assists and seven goals.

Jo spent three years as a Manchester City player, albeit with loans to Everton and Galatasaray after his arrival from CSKA Moscow, and he believes that a move for Savinho to the north London club, to work under Roberto De Zerbi, offers the chance for more consistent game time which will in turn help him rediscover his fine form in Spain for Girona.

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"Looking at it objectively, Savinho started very well. City's squad is full of quality, especially in the wide positions where competition is intense. That makes things difficult for him. He was developing well, but the injuries caused a decline. Guardiola stopped using him regularly, and he didn't get a long run of games.

"If I were his agent, I would focus on playing time and continuity. A move, such as the one being discussed with Tottenham, could be very positive. I think he would get more minutes, develop better, and have greater consistency than if he stayed at City," Jo told Bolavip.

He added: "At City, he'll always be facing huge competition. At another club, he would arrive with the reputation of being a Manchester City player and someone expected to contribute immediately. He can still succeed at City, but that constant competition is part of football."

Former Tottenham and Brentford boss Thomas Frank has issued another verdict on his future in management just four months after leaving Spurs

Former Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has admitted he is open to international management but his priority is a return to club football.

Back in February, Spurs sacked the Dane after he oversaw just two wins from a possible 17 games with the Lilywhites going on to narrowly avoid Premier League relegation.

Roberto De Zerbi was his permanent replacement after the failed interim appointment of Igor Tudor. Frank has remained out of management since being let go by Tottenham, but he did take on a new job as a BBC pundit for the World Cup.

Part of his duties for that role seemingly included an appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live where he was asked about taking charge of a country. He responded: "I think it'd be appealing to me, definitely, one day.

"When? You never know with timing and everything. I think my first priority will be to take a club again at one point, but I always love the Euros and the World Cup.

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"Of course, I'm from Denmark, so that would probably be the top priority to be the head coach of Denmark, if it should be national teams. But I'll be open, I'm an open guy, so let's see what will happen."

Prior to the World Cup, the 52-year-old posted a lengthy statement on his time in north London, opportunities that have been presented to him since being sacked and his immediate coaching plans.

He wrote: "I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has reached out over the past few months. Your support and encouragement have been greatly appreciated.

"Leaving Tottenham has given me the chance to step back and reflect on my journey so far. Football management is a profession that demands complete commitment every single day, and periods like this are a rare opportunity to assess, learn and gain a fresh perspective.

"From the outside, it may have looked like a time of many challenges at Tottenham when results were not what we wanted. From within, however, it becomes clear why the club is so special - full of talented people who work tirelessly every day. I have no doubt Tottenham has a bright future.

"I am also looking forward to covering the World Cup for Danish television and the BBC, as well as experiencing the Tour de France. Time away from the touchline is allowing me to broaden my perspective and gather insights that I look forward to bringing into my next challenge.

"There have been conversations and opportunities since leaving Spurs, but I have decided not to rush into the next role. For me, this summer is not the right time to go back into management.

"When the time is right, I will look forward to my return as a manager, ready to embrace the job with great energy and dedication."

Tottenham are about to seal their third transfer of the summer and their former chairman has found himself caught up in the conversation

Tottenham are set to sign Jan Paul van Hecke for a hefty fee but claims that former Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has scoffed at the deal are probably not going to have the intended effect.

Let's say it straight from the outset. To pay £52million plus a reported 20 per cent sell-on clause for a player with just 12 months left on his contract is certainly not the deal of the century for Spurs at this point in time. It's potentially a very good deal for Brighton and it's the kind of deal that Levy would never have entertained during his 24 years at the club. But that does not mean it's the wrong thing to do.

Levy has found himself wrapped up in the discussion around Van Hecke thanks to his relationship with former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan. The two men are polar opposites when it comes to the media. Levy is someone who prefers to operate in the background while making the foreground decisions, while Jordan has found a home for his outspoken opinions as a radio pundit.

During an appearance on talkSPORT on Wednesday, his fellow studio guest and former England goalkeeper Ben Foster revealed that Jordan had just received a message from Levy on his phone.

"I was showing him a fact about the Brighton deal and how Brighton have pulled Spurs’ pants down on a player who was out of contract in a year’s time, that didn’t want to sign a new contract and was the fifth most expensive soon-to-be-non-contract player that has ever been signed," said the former Palace chief eventually. "That is what Daniel was pointing out to some extent."

Whether Levy will be that bothered at finding himself in the headlines again remains to be seen. He would always claim that he had a thick skin and was not affected by criticism, even if those around him would suggest it bothered him more than he let on.

In this instance, Tottenham fans will mostly be thinking the same thing in hearing the claim that Levy disapproved of the club, which he still - for now - owns a portion of, spending far over the market value for a player so close to the end of this contract.

That's because in Levy's time, Spurs would normally have haggled for a while and then stepped away until long into the transfer window to see whether Brighton got twitchy and eventually gave in for a more fitting figure.

That was usually Tottenham's tactic and clubs could see it coming from a mile away. The end result was often, at best, that Spurs would sign the player but it would not be until well into pre-season when all the key adaptation work with the new coach was done. At worst, the north London club would hold off for so long that either another club would come in and snatch them away or the player would sign a new contract.

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There have been such stories across the last quarter century at Tottenham, perhaps none more ridiculous than the pursuit of Jack Grealish during his Aston Villa days. The midfielder believed he was joining Spurs, Mauricio Pochettino believed his top target was joining Spurs, only the Lilywhites never actually offered what Villa wanted for months.

When they finally did, the West Midlands club's financial problems had been solved by an injection of cash from new investors and they promptly offered Grealish a new contract which he signed. A couple of summers on and he would join Manchester City for £100million.

That in its essence is the issue with scoffing at paying over the odds for a player. Spurs spent so long being determined not to do that, that they never really speculated to accumulate. Their previously rigid wage structure, with everything loaded into performance-related bonuses, was there to be safe.

For a club with the motto of 'to dare is to do', Tottenham have been the epitome of safe and unspectacular in recent decades, only rising briefly under Pochettino, as he punched well above the club's weight, and with Ange Postecoglou's Europa League victory, which came through upsetting the board by prioritising the competition and costing him his job.

That's not to say Levy didn't waste money. Almost £120million was spent on Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso alone in the summer of 2019. Half a decade later, the former would have his contract mutually ended and the latter left for a nominal fee back to Real Betis, the club Spurs signed him from. Neither, it should be pointed out, were Pochettino's top picks that summer.

It's also worth noting that eventually Levy had his 'pants pulled down' by Brighton back in 2022. Yves Bissouma only had 12 months remaining on his contract but Spurs paid a total package of £35million including add-ons for the midfielder and they did so uncharacteristically quickly, the deal wrapped up on June 17.

Four years on and Tottenham have just announced that the Mali international will depart at the end of this month for nothing, after they decided not to take up the final year option on his contract. Bissouma played just 90 Premier League games for Tottenham, with inconsistency, issues off the pitch and a string of head coaches left frustrated by him.

Levy may well nod towards getting almost £100million for Harry Kane in the final 12 months of his contract at Spurs but Bayern Munich and the England captain were the only winners in that scenario as the years since have proved.

And that's exactly the point. Sometimes you've just got to go for it for the greater good.

Roberto De Zerbi made it clear that he wanted Van Hecke and Spurs just went out and did it. The season ahead and those beyond will prove whether it was worth paying over the odds for the Dutchman. With the lid finally crowbarred off the top of the wage structure, they also saw off competition to sign Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi straight out of the gates, meaning they will have three new signings through the door in the middle of June.

That's unheard of at a club where many a manager has been left frustrated as the window drags on and the season draws closer and then begins and what they ended up getting was not even what they originally wanted.

Postecoglou said a couple of years ago: "I don’t think we are in a position to spend £100million on a player, if that is what you are suggesting. That is not the case and I don't think it will ever be the case for the club. Our competitors are, irrespective of the positions."

That was before Levy's departure and now Spurs are being linked with a bid for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali which would likely reach £100million with all add-ons included. That's alongside attempts to sign £60million-rated Savinho from Manchester City, who are also said to be interested in Tonali.

Again it could all be a huge mistake but at least Tottenham will know. They never really dared and they never really did when it came to on-pitch matters during Levy's era. It was all so safe and frustrating.

The alternative could be worse, but it could also kick off the era of something special, something better. Sometimes you've just got to grab for it yourself, rather than simply hope everyone around you falls flat on their face and leaves you as the last club standing.

England got their World Cup off to a flying start this week and there were plenty of Tottenham Hotspur connections within their victory

Thomas Tuchel's England side are up and running in the World Cup with their 4-2 victory against Croatia and there were a lot of Tottenham connections on the night.

Two goals from captain Harry Kane, one from Jude Bellingham and a killer 85th-minute strike from Marcus Rashford were the least that England deserved during an exciting, attacking performance that was only let down by a couple of defensive wobbles that allowed Martin Baturina and Petar Musa to score equalisers in the first half.

The win put England to the top of Group L after the opening round of fixtures with Ghana later beating Panama 1-0 thanks to a 95th minute winner from Caleb Yirenkyi. All eyes are now on Tuchel's men as they face Ghana next on Tuesday evening next week.

Those with eagle eyes though might have spotted a major amount of Tottenham Hotspur connections during England's victory in Dallas on Wednesday evening. Here are nine that we noticed. Let us know in the comments below if you think there are any we've missed out. Let's start with the most obvious.

Captain fantastic

There's only one place to start and that's with Kane. The 32-year-old came through the academy at Spurs and spent 19 years with the north London club, becoming their record goalscorer before making the move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023.

Kane was brilliant against Croatia, sweeping passes here, there and everywhere. He scored from the spot at the second attempt 12 minutes into the contest after his first penalty, complete with the stutter step, caused both goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and defender Josko Gvardiol to move before it was taken.

Then the striker was bafflingly left unmarked to power home a header from a corner in the 42nd minute. The skipper had a big moment at the other end late in the game as he threw himself in the way of a Gvardiol shot in added time.

"If you see the commitment of our captain, of our number nine, in the extra time to block a crucial shot after a set piece with all his body and his commitment to buy into a defensive action like this, then you know everything about his performance today," said Tuchel of Kane, who was named player of the match.

"Complete performance, absolute leader and he is all in – he’s all in physically, he’s all in mentally, and he’s all in."

Modric and Madueke tangle

Two for one here for the Spurs moment that handed Kane the chance to score from the spot. That's because it was caused by 40-year-old Croatia legend Luka Modric, who spent four years at Tottenham from 2008 to 2012, making 160 appearances before heading off to Real Madrid and winning every club trophy the game has to offer.

Modric swung a leg out to try to clear the ball from the Croatia box but the experienced AC Milan midfielder did not realise that England winger Noni Madueke had nipped in first and so instead kicked him and sent him to the turf.

For those with good memories, Madueke spent four years in Tottenham's academy before departing in 2018 to join Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. The 24-year-old has continued his tour of London in recent years, playing for Chelsea and now Arsenal.

Vuskovic gets Croatia going

It's worth noting that a current Tottenham player did actually start the match although at this point in time he is yet to have played a competitive game for the club.

Luka Vuskovic might only be 19-years-old but most of Europe wants him and Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic decided to hand him his World Cup debut in only his sixth appearance for his country in the centre of a back three.

The teenager, who has been the subject of rejected bids from Brighton, made an impact in the 36th minute when he won the ball back near the halfway line and got Croatia up the pitch before Baturina fired home his powerful effort.

Vuskovic had a mixed game as England pulled him and his experienced team-mates all over the place, but with so much potential for the future, hopefully the young centre-back will remain a Tottenham player rather than becoming the one that got away.

Face in the crowd

A nostalgic one here as during the first half the camera panned to the face of an England fan in the crowd, watching the game with their son.

This was no ordinary fan though as Spurs supporters would have recognised Darren Anderton immediately even if it took a moment for the commentary team to recognise the former Tottenham and England midfielder.

The now 54-year-old played 346 games for the Lilywhites over 12 years at the club, while racking up 122 goal involvements. He also played 30 times for England, as one of the stars of the Euro 96 team and also played every game at the 1998 World Cup.

Anderton lives in the United States now after meeting his wife over there and is planning to take his son to various matches at the tournament.

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Remarkable veteran

If you've got Vuskovic at one end of the age scale and Modric at the other for Croatia, then somewhere near the upper end you've also got Ivan Perisic.

The 37-year-old is a machine and still moves up and down the left wing as he did more than a decade ago. Perisic was a big free transfer in Antonio Conte's first summer and played 50 times for Spurs, scoring once and providing 14 assists. He looked to have a bright season ahead under Ange Postecoglou only to suffer an ACL injury early in that campaign which essentially ended his time at Tottenham.

Now in yet another country in his glittering career, Perisic has managed 53 goal involvements in 78 matches for PSV Eindhoven as he continues to defy the laws of time.

On Wednesday night, he showed just how clever he is on and off the ball with a brilliant run and header sideways to confuse the England defence and put the ball on a plate for Musa to volley home just before the first half ended. Just to show how ridiculously in shape he is, Perisic celebrated by leapfrogging over the shoulders of his celebrating standing compatriot.

On the England bench

The Thomas Frank era won't be looked back on particularly fondly by Tottenham fans but there was a reminder of it on Tuchel's bench.

You might just have spotted that one of the German's coaching team is Justin Cochrane, who was one of Frank's assistants at both Tottenham and Brentford. The 44-year-old is highly thought of within the game and has been part of Tuchel's staff since early last year.

The connection between Spurs and Cochrane runs far deeper though than just those months alongside Frank. He worked as a coach in the club's academy long before that and that's where he started off his coaching journey before being named head coach of England U19s in 2019 which began his path within the FA and led to this World Cup adventure.

On the Croatia bench

If you had glanced across from the England bench to the Croatia one during the match in Dallas then eagle-eyed Spurs supporters would have spotted a popular former player among Dalic's coaches.

It was 40-year-old Vedran Corluka who spent four years at Tottenham after signing from Manchester City in 2008 and played 109 matches, mainly as a right-back, during the period when the club had a healthy contingent of Croatians.

Corluka was loaned out to Bayer Leverkusen in 2012 and that summer joined Lokomotiv Moscow, where he played out the rest of his career until 2021. He has been Dalic's assistant with the national team ever since.

Super Spence

Just when it looked like Spurs were going to finish the game with no current players involved in it, after Vuskovic was taken off in the 66th minute, so entered Djed Spence for his World Cup debut in the 80th minute.

The 25-year-old, complete with his jaw protector after that elbow from Liam Delap, was really bright during his late cameo in the game.

First he ran through and had a shot saved by Livakovic and then was involved in the break which led to Rashford netting England's fourth and final goal of the game.

Spence got plenty of praise from the pundits after his display and will have done his cause plenty of good in getting more game time as the tournament progresses.

Tottenham Hotspur are about to complete their third transfer of the summer and one member of Jan Paul van Hecke's family has expressed his delight

Jan Paul van Hecke's famous footballing uncle believes that his nephew will adapt and star at Tottenham and that the club will be a major force again next season under Roberto De Zerbi.

Spurs have agreed a £52million deal with Brighton to sign the centre-back, who is currently away at the World Cup with the Netherlands, and reunite him with De Zerbi. The 26-year-old had just 12 months remaining on his contract with the Seagulls but Tottenham pushed to sign a player that their head coach was keen to bring in to bolster a leaky defence, with Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi also set to bolster the backline.

Van Hecke comes from good footballing stock. His uncle is Jan Poortvliet, who played in the 1978 World Cup final for the Netherlands and managed Southampton for a spell in the 2008/9 season. The 70-year-old is currently the head coach of Dutch second tier side FC Eindhoven.

Poortvliet is delighted with his nephew's move to Tottenham which is set to be confirmed after both clubs came to an agreement over the fee this week.

"Fantastic, truly wonderful. This is going to give him an extra boost during the World Cup. This is such a great motivation. He doesn't have to worry about it anymore either. Full focus on the World Cup and then off to London. That is also more fun than Brighton. This is a city you love to visit," Poortvliet said in an interview with Dutch media outlet sportnieuws.

The former Netherlands defender said that De Zerbi was the reason Van Hecke chose Spurs over other clubs and that the north London club will be a force next season.

"I think De Zerbi played the biggest role in the decision. Several clubs were interested, but De Zerbi was clear and absolutely wanted him. Jan Paul would have been at the top of the list. He knows De Zerbi's playing style well and had a fantastic season under him. I think this is the best step," he said.

"You shouldn't see them as the club from last year anymore. They have a large following, they have a big budget, and if the manager can bring in the right people, they can compete at the top again next year."

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Van Hecke will be a big success at Tottenham because he has fought and adapted from an early age, reckons Poortvliet in the interview which was picked up by Sport Witness.

"He always took on the challenge. Everyone constantly doubted whether he was making the right move. From the third division with VV Goes to the NAC Under-18s and later the step to Brighton. Being stubborn and following his own path is now being rewarded once again," he explained.

"Jan Paul has always been a fighter and always believed in what he was doing. He also played in defence from an early age and found his place. He always wanted to attack from there, and he can do that even more with the national team."

Poortvliet believes his nephew will fit into De Zerbi's team ethic perfectly once again in N17 because he does not try to show off.

"He is a service player who doesn't go for his own success and leaves that to others. Then it is nice to see that he fits in well in such a team and everyone thinks 'he could be even better'," said the ex-Netherlands international.

"When he came to Brighton and saw the pace, he thought he would never make it. He had to adapt everything he knew, and he did. He always adapts and has ensured that he receives appreciation everywhere. He was named Player of the Year at Brighton. That is very impressive because he is among the world's elite. I hope he gets to play many matches, for both the Dutch national team and Spurs."

Luka Vuskovic, whom Tottenham Hotspur signed from Hajduk Split for £12m in September 2023, will be keen to make a good impression at the World Cup this summer.

Tim Sherwood has urged Tottenham Hotspur to allow Luka Vuskovic to join Brighton on loan. The 19-year-old defender, whom the Lilywhites signed from Hajduk Split for £12m in September 2023, has been heavily linked with a move to the Amex Stadium this summer as Fabian Hürzeler looks to bolster his backline.

football.london understands that Spurs recently rejected a £35m bid from the Seagulls for Vuskovic, who's also attracted interest from Barcelona. The Croatia international made quite the impression while on loan at Hamburg last season, establishing himself as one of the most promising young centre-backs in Europe.

He featured 28 times in the Bundesliga this season, scoring six goals and keeping five clean sheets. Playing a key role in Merlin Polzin's side, Vuskovic helped the newly promoted side stay in the German top-flight.

The teenager was recognised for his efforts, earning a place in the team of the season. Despite his impressive performances, Roberto De Zerbi has pushed for the arrival of Premier League-proven talent, hence the signing of Marco Senesi and the interest in Jan Paul van Hecke.

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Unsurprisingly, with the two defenders effectively blocking the path to the starting lineup, Vuskovic has attracted plenty of interest. Speaking recently on Sky Sports, Sherwood suggested that Tottenham should allow the Croatian to join Brighton on loan.

"He’s a prospect, you know, they signed him for a reason," said the former Spurs boss, who helped integrate Harry Kane into the first team back in 2014. "He’s sent him out on loan to Hamburg.

"He’s done very well, played in a number of games, albeit it’s not in the Premier League, but there’s an opportunity, possibly if Brighton want him to loan him to Brighton, you may get a loan fee if they are interested in making money.

"But it should not be about making money. I mean, what is £30m these days? You get pub players for that. So I will be saying, do not take the money, let the kid have an opportunity.

"But one thing I would say, trust Roberto De Zerbi. You know, Van Hecke he wants, go and get him for him. He’s brought Marcos Senesi in already. So you’ve got centre-halves there.

"One thing Vuskovic himself will not want is to come into Tottenham Hotspur and not play on a regular basis. So if he’s not going to play, loan him out to Brighton. Get a possible loan fee, then you can see him play against Tottenham’s opposition week in, week out and make a proper judgement."

If Tottenham were to sanction a loan, Hamburg have already volunteered to extend Vuskovic's stay. At the start of last month, the club's board member in charge of finance and organisation, Eric Huwer, told German outlet Welt: "If it were up to Luka, I think he would still like to experience the Hamburg atmosphere, the passion, and his development.

"But we're at best in the passenger seat. If the door opens even a crack, we'll be there. We always dream. But market realities are, of course, quite different. I think we can be very happy that we were able to accompany Luka with us for this one year."

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be leading the race to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, but Roberto De Zerbi faces strong competition for his fellow countryman's signature.

Tottenham Hotspur face strong competition in the race to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United. The Magpies star has recently been linked with a move to north London as Roberto De Zerbi and Mikel Arteta both look to bolster their options in the middle of the park.

Last season, Tonali, who will enter the final two years of his contract next month, featured 53 times across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing seven assists. Despite his best efforts, Eddie Howe's side failed to qualify for either of UEFA's three club competitions.

Not only did Newcastle finish in the bottom half of the Premier League table, but they were also unable to defend the Carabao Cup title. The Italy international looked ready to jump ship at the halfway mark, but a deal never materialised.

The Newcastle boss later insisted that Tonali remains 'committed' to the project in Tyneside. Earlier this year, Howe said: "There's certainly no intention from our side to lose Sandro at all.

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"He's such an integral player to what were doing. I think he's very happy here. He loves playing for Newcastle and loves representing the city."

Fast forward six months and the 26-year-old faces an uncertain future again, with Spurs monitoring his situation. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up everything you need to know about Tonali and a potential transfer to Tottenham this summer.

Tottenham talks as Newcastle set Tonali price tag

According to The Times, Tottenham have held talks with Tonali's representatives ahead of a potential transfer this summer. The report claims that Newcastle values the midfielder at £100million, which is just over twice what they paid to prise Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig last summer, who was a club-record signing.

It's said that De Zerbi wants Spurs to make a statement signing, so Tonali, who's been offered to several clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United, has been identified as a target. The Times add that the Magpies have accepted that they may need to cash in this summer, but want to make a profit on the £61m they paid AC Milan in the summer of 2023.

Tottenham burst onto the scene

On Monday evening, Fabrizio Romano first reported that Tottenham had joined Manchester City and Arsenal in the race to sign Tonali. The journalist claimed Spurs identified the midfielder as the 'ideal' candidate to help them climb the Premier League after back-to-back relegation scares.

The Athletic later claimed that the sale of Tonali 'remains possible', but the Magpies hadn't received any 'concrete offers'. They also outlined that Newcastle would demand a 'high fee' for the Italian, whose situation is currently being monitored by 'multiple elite clubs' in the Premier League, including Arsenal.

Tonali's agent sparks speculation

Speaking to Sky Sports in April, Tonali was quizzed on his future at St. James' Park. He said: "In football, if you play well, you have to deal with the transfer rumours, but if you concentrate 100 per cent on your game, and you’re happy, you don’t have to think about anything or speak about anything."

A couple of weeks earlier, his agent had suggested that he would be open to a fresh start. When asked about the move to Newcastle during an interview with Italian outlet Calcio & Finanza, Giuseppe Riso said: "The deal came about because a club like Newcastle with unlimited financial resources had decided to invest in Sandro. We considered the idea of having the player play in a higher-level league."

On a potential move to Arsenal or Manchester City, Riso said: "Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player. I think he’s the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world."

Tonali entourage arrange Newcastle talks

In February, Riso revealed that he and Tonali plan to meet with Newcastle higher-ups at the end of the season to resolve his future. As quoted by ChronicleLive, the midfielder's agent said: "These transfer discussions will take place later. We’ll see how the season ends, and then we’ll decide what to do.

"There’s no preference at the moment. It’s still early. What we’re saying today won’t apply tomorrow. Newcastle couldn’t let him go now, and there’s no point in moving, especially since Sandro is very attached to the club. We’ll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer."

At the end of last season, Roberto De Zerbi vowed to build Tottenham Hotspur a 'new team' this summer, and he's made great progress so far.

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a brilliant start to the transfer window, but there's still plenty of work to be done. At the end of last season, as soon as it was confirmed that the Lilywhites had avoided relegation from the Premier League, Roberto De Zerbi outlined his plan to make wholesale changes.

Speaking to reporters after a nervy win over Everton on the final day of the campaign, the Italian raised eyebrows when he suggested that half of the squad could be axed in the summer. He said: "From tonight, we have to start to organise and to build a new team.

"I think we have now to change too many players. We have 10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay. Good enough. Like players. Especially like people. And then we have to complete the squad with the first level of players."

Then, once the dust had settled, De Zerbi doubled down. He told club media: "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.

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"We are lucky to stay here, and we have to compete in the best way we can," added the 47-year-old. "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."

Tottenham have already welcomed a couple of new faces to Hotspur Way this summer, but they've shown no sign of slowing down. So, with that being said, football.london has looked at what business Spurs need to do this summer.

De Zerbi completes Tottenham rebuild

De Zerbi seems determined to bolster his squad with Premier League-proven talent, having already signed Andrew Robertson and Marco Senesi on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth, respectively. Upon the unveiling of the two defenders, both he and Johan Lange referenced the demand for quality, experience, leadership and mentality.

They were just four of many buzzwords in statements from the head coach and the sporting director, but they at least have a vision. Before Tottenham begin looking to strengthen any other area on the pitch, they need to get a deal for Jan Paul van Hecke over the line.

Once Spurs secure the signature of the Brighton defender, De Zerbi and Lange need to bring in a new goalkeeper. James Trafford would be a great addition, having proved he's more than ready for regular game time at a club that wants to qualify for – and then compete in – either of UEFA's three club competitions.

The Lilywhites will then have built a solid foundation to build on. Tottenham can then begin to work on deals for Sandro Tonali and Morgan Gibbs-White to bolster the midfield, as well as either Iliman Ndiaye or Crysencio Summerville to start on the left.

Savinho has been one of several wingers to be linked with a move to Spurs, but De Zerbi and Lange should go for the Everton talisman; failing that, the West Ham ace, who could be available for a cut-price fee.

To be signed for £238m, a fee calculated by Transfermarkt: James Trafford (Manchester City), Jan Paul van Hecke (from Brighton); Sandro Tonali (from Newcastle), Morgan Gibbs-White (from Nottingham Forest), and Iliman Ndiaye (from Everton).

Tottenham reluctantly axe Vuskovic and Romero

As De Zerbi has already suggested, Tottenham need to offload numerous players. Among the many departures at Hotspur Way this summer should be Luka Vuskovic and Cristian Romero. Unless either of the defenders suddenly get assurances over game time or agree to sign new contracts, they should be first out of the door.

Although Spurs would be a much better outfit with them in the starting lineup, they can't afford to let speculation drag on and hamper the task at hand. Of course, it would be great if Vuskovic and Romero stay, but higher-ups at Tottenham need to put their foot down.

If they want to stay, stay. Great. If they want to leave, then they leave on the club's terms. And if they don't like that, then so be it – join the bomb squad. Guglielmo Vicario, Radu Drăgușin, and Richarlison should be among the other big names who leave this summer.

To be sold for £142m, a fee calculated by Transfermarkt: Guglielmo Vicario, Luka Vuskovic, Cristian Romero, Radu Drăgușin, and Richarlison.

De Zerbi leads Tottenham back into Europe

For just under £100m, Tottenham, in theory, could significantly bolster its squad with lots of big names from the Premier League. De Zerbi would certainly have a squad capable of qualifying for – and eventually competing in – either of UEFA's three club competitions.

Total expenditure: £96m.

Tottenham are showing an interest in Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, with Roberto De Zerbi wanting a statement signing this summer

Tottenham will have to pay up to £100million if they want to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer. Spurs have been linked with the Italian as Roberto De Zerbi looks to strengthen his squad.

Tottenham have already been busy in the transfer window, completing the free transfers of Andy Robertson and Marco Senesi. They are also closing in on the signing of Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke in a £52 million deal.

But they are expected to make more moves over the next few weeks. Tottenham have made an approach to Tonali’s camp over a possible move , and have received a positive response.

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The Times reports that De Zerbi sees Tonali as the statement signing that he wants. While there has been contact with the player, talks are yet to have been held with Newcastle.

Eddie Howe’s side are said to have accepted that they may need to sell the midfielder this summer, but want a big profit on the £61m fee they paid for him in 2023. It’s reported that the club want around £100m if they are to sell.

Tonali signed a new contract back in January, which runs until 2029. Both he and the club also have the option to extend it by another year.

Spurs are not the only team to be linked with an interest in the midfielder, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City all previously tipped to sign Tonali.

He has been a key player for Newcastle since his comeback from a suspension for breaching gambling rules. Last season he scored three goals and provided seven assists in 53 appearances in all competitions.

Speaking about Tonali’s future back in February, Howe gave an update.

“Sandro’s very happy here,” he said. “He’s got a great relationship with me and his teammates and he seems really, really, happy within himself. I don’t see an issue, but I’m not in control of everything. If I knew where everything [rumours] came from I’d be wiser.

“But Sandro is absolutely fine. I had discussions with him yesterday. His focus is on the here and now with us.

“There’s no issue with Sandro. He’s happy and committed. But our best players will always be attracting glances from other clubs – that’s just the reality of football.”

The Tottenham Hotspur youngster is a wanted man and one playing legend from his homeland is predicting big things from the centre-back

Luka Vuskovic is yet to play a competitive match for Tottenham Hotspur but those in the game like Croatia legend Darijo Srna believe he is going to become a superstar with an "amazing future".

The 19-year-old enjoyed a big year out on loan at HSV, getting named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season, and the teenager is now at the World Cup with Croatia, who will face England on Wednesday night in Dallas. Vuskovic is a wanted man right now with Brighton having had a £35million bid rejected for the centre-back and Barcelona having also enquired about his availability.

Vuskovic joined Spurs from Hajduk Split last summer, two years after his transfer was agreed as he could not move until he turned 18 due to EU regulations.

The Croatian is yet to play a senior game for the north London club and Tottenham agreeing a £52million deal for Jan Paul van Hecke for Roberto De Zerbi would further block the path for Vuskovic if successful.

Srna has known the young defender for years and the former international wing-back, now director of football at Shakhtar Donetsk, could only wax lyrical about Vuskovic and what he will become.

"I know Luka from when he was a kid because I played in the youth categories at Hajduk Split with his father, Danijel. He is a very good friend of mine. I know Luka and Mario, his two sons. They are amazing kids with amazing talent," Srna told Flashscore.

"Luka has already shown that he will have an amazing future. He plays with so much confidence that I have the feeling he is a 25-year-old player. For sure, he is part of the future of European football and of the Croatian national team."

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Srna is looking forward to the World Cup clash between Croatia and England and believes it will be a tight encounter over in the United States.

"I know Thomas Tuchel very well as a coach. I respect him a lot. Of course, he is one of the best coaches in the world. He showed it at Chelsea," he said. "I don't know how he will be with the national team in the World Cup, but he of course deserves great respect, and the entire England team as well.

"As Croatian people, we respect England, but I think it will be a very difficult match for both sides. Chances are 50-50 because Croatia is a very good and balanced team, with a lot of experience and young players as well. It will be a very interesting game for me."