Football London

Pedro Porro new Tottenham contract confirmed as Johan Lange and De Zerbi speak

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Tottenham have signed up their Spain right-back to a bumper new long-term deal amid interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City

Tottenham have confirmed that Pedro Porro has signed a bumper new long-term contract with the north London club in a summer when some of Europe's biggest sides were circling him.

The 26-year-old right-back, currently at the World Cup with Spain, has been a near ever-present for Spurs since arriving from Sporting in 2023. Porro has played 152 times for Tottenham in this three-and-a-half years, contributing 26 assists and 13 goals from defence, and was a key player for Roberto De Zerbi in helping the club avoid relegation last season.

Various Tottenham head coaches have identified Porro as one of the few players in the squad who could play for any of the Premier League's top sides and with just two years remaining on his previous contract, the likes or Real Madrid and his former club Manchester City had been making enquiries.

De Zerbi sees Porro as a key part of his team moving forward and Spurs stepped up their efforts to tie up the new contract for the full-back. They have made the Spaniard one of their best paid players in a deal believed to be until 2031 with a club option for another 12 months on top of that.

Sporting director Johan Lange, said: "Securing Pedro's future was an important priority for us this summer. During the past three-and-half years, he has made huge progress to become one of the best full-backs in the game, and the fact he is about to play in the World Cup for Spain is testament to that.

"Pedro is at an age where he can provide leadership and experience, while still having room for further development. His character, work ethic and quality are exactly what we look for when building a squad capable of competing at the highest level and we are delighted that he has chosen to continue his journey with the club."

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De Zerbi added: "Pedro is a very important player for us, who has consistently shown his ability to influence matches in both defensive and attacking situations.

"As well as his technical quality, I also love his mentality. Every day he wants to work, to learn and to improve, and these are the characteristics that help players reach the highest level.

"He understands football in a very intelligent way, and brings energy, intensity and personality to the team. This new contract is good news for everyone at the club. We believe in Pedro, and I am excited to continue working with him and helping him achieve even more in the coming years."

New Tottenham Nike 26/27 kits - Release date and what will appear for the last time

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It's that time of year when Tottenham Hotspur's new kits are nearing their launch so let's look at the latest offerings from Nike for the coming season

All eyes are now on the 2026/27 season for Tottenham Hotspur and that will soon include a brand new set of Nike kits which will be adorned by one particular thing for the last time.

As it does each year, the internet has been flooded with supposedly leaked images galore in recent months, some the real deal, some design concepts that never were and some simply wishful thinking. Then as June arrives so the actual Spurs kit starts turning up on sale in random far flung parts of the world before it officially launches to give the supporters a better look at what's to come.

So what can we expect from this year's batch of Tottenham kits that will be worn by Roberto De Zerbi and Martin Ho's players in the men's and women's teams?

Well first off we know of course that they will be made by Nike. The north London club signed their deal with the US sportswear giants back in 2017 and extended it the following year to a 15-year contract which will last until at least 2033 and is reportedly worth around £30million a season to Spurs.

That means we'll be seeing at least seven more years of the Tottenham cockerel sitting across from the Nike Swoosh as part of one of the longest football club deals in the sportswear giant's history.

However, this will the last season that we see something on the club's kits and when it comes to the home shirt, that will stop plenty of unhappy voice. That's because it will be the final year that the red AIA logo will be splashed across the centre of the white home shirt as that sponsorship deal comes to an end after this next campaign.

The insurance company will switch to being Spurs' training wear sponsor from the 2027/28 season with another front of shirt sponsor coming on board for the match kits.

So what will the three kits for the 2026/27 season look like for Andy Robertson & Co and when are they coming out? Let's take a look at each one.

Home kit

Forget far flung places, with the kit spotted on sale in Mexico City last month, as one eagle-eyed Spurs fan, Christina Zandes, noticed on Friday that the new home shirt was already on the rack in the Nike store in London ahead of its actual launch and promptly recorded a video and took a photo of it.

It's a very plain white top with navy accents and subtle diagonal striping that is said to be inspired by the club's mid-1980s Hummels kits.

The shirt has one navy stripe on each of its sides which head up the back, in between the sleeves and the trunk, as well as a very thin navy cuff on each arm, with the Kraken sleeve sponsor on the left shoulder.

The layed collar is the same as England's away kit for the World Cup and hopefully it looks better in action than it does hanging awkwardly off a hanger.

Here's the full image of the kit on sale in London from Christina's X account @ChristinaZandes.

Release date: Kit experts Footy Headlines claim the home shirt will be launched on Thursday June 25

Away kit

Prepare yourselves because the away kit is a bit different, although maybe hold that thought until you get to the third one.

The navy away one is certainly far removed from this season's plain black affair. Footy Headlines published images a couple of months ago of what they claimed were "the first official images of Tottenham's new 26-27 away kit, featuring a bold and somewhat crazy pattern on the front".

There are colours galore worked into this new kit's eye-catching design with "a vibrant and chaotic pattern with diagonal, jagged lines in neon pink, purple, and orange over an Obsidian (navy blue) base", according to the Nike details. The kit has a rounded neck with no collar.

The leaked images of the kit drew a mixed reaction from Tottenham supporters, as the new kits always do, with some liking the bold colours and others thinking they were too much. All the Nike, Spurs and sponsor logos on the shirt are in white at least, which will keep the fans happy.

Here's what it looks like.

Release date: Footy Headlines claim the away shirt will also be launched on Thursday June 25

Third shirt

Now if you're after a third shirt that can double up as a pair of fancy purple pyjamas then Tottenham and Nike appear to have you covered.

Its colour is known as 'Psychic Purple', even though nobody could have predicted this effort, and it is a similar tone to one used on the club's 1998/99 and 2011/12 shirts. It comes with dark purple pinstripes that are outlined in white, plus an old school polo collar with a button.

The stripes blur out in the middle in order to fit the AIA logo on the shirt while the collar has a white edge starting from about halfway up it.

There is also expected be a lifestyle version with a straight V-neck (which looks far better) and is inspired by the 1996 Nike Premier shirts to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

Here's what the stripey third kit looks like, courtesy of Footy Headlines and social media user IamCrisJ.

Tottenham make Luka Vuskovic transfer decision after £30m bid as three more clubs join race

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic continues to be linked with a move to Brighton this summer

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly not in favour of letting Luka Vuskovic leave the club following reported interest from Brighton. The 19-year-old defender has been heavily linked with a move away from north London this summer following an impressive loan spell in Germany.

Reports emerged earlier this week claiming that Brighton had submitted a £30million bid to try and sign Vuskovic this summer.

There have even been suggestions that Vuskovic would be open to joining the Seagulls, believing that working with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler would be a good move for his development.

Now, a fresh update has emerged on Vuskovic’s future at Tottenham, with the club’s intentions clear.

The Daily Mail have reported that Spurs are “reluctant” to let Vuskovic leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

Tottenham first signed Vuskovic from Hajduk Split in the summer of 2023 when the defender was 16 years old, but he has yet to make a senior appearance for the club.

After an impressive loan spell at Hamburg in the Bundesliga last season, Vuskovic has been tipped to be one of the brightest defensive prospects in Europe.

As a result, it’s understandable that Tottenham would be extra determined to keep the centre-back in north London beyond the summer transfer window.

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It remains to be seen what the future holds for Vuskovic, with Tottenham still pushing ahead with their plans for the transfer window.

Andy Robertson has already been signed as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Liverpool, while Marcos Senesi has also arrived on a free transfer after the end of his deal with Bournemouth.

The duo are currently with their respective countries at this summer’s World Cup in North America, where Roberto De Zerbi will be keeping an eye on their progress through the tournament.

Tottenham still have an interest in signing Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who is reportedly valued at around £70million.

It’s unclear at this point if the future of the Netherlands international will have an impact on whether or not Vuskovic is to leave the Amex Stadium this summer.

Tottenham star teases huge new contract with responses to social media post

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The Tottenham Hotspur defender has agreed a bumper new long-term contract to commit his future to the north London club

Pedro Porro has been teasing his incoming new long-term Tottenham contract on social media while replying to the club's fans.

Amid interest from Real Madrid and the defender's former club Manchester City, Spurs stepped up their efforts to tie down the right-back to a bumper new contract. They have made the Spaniard one of their best paid players in a lucrative deal believed to last until 2031 with the club holding an option to add another 12 months on top of that to make it a six-year contract.

New head coach Roberto De Zerbi sees Porro as a key part of his team moving forward and the 26-year-old, currently at the World Cup with Spain, has been a near ever-present for Tottenham since arriving from Sporting in 2023 and one of their most creative players despite his position.

Porro has turned out 152 times for Tottenham in those three-and-a-half years, contributing 26 assists and 13 goals from defence, and was a major player in the final weeks for De Zerbi in helping the club avoid relegation last season.

The full-back has been a favourite of each of his head coaches at the club with his drive and desire in matches and training, with a belief among all of them that he is one of the few players at Spurs who could play for any top side and that has been backed by the interest from Real and City.

With just two years left on the original contract he signed after arriving from Portugal, the full-back's new deal was a priority for the north London club and an agreement has now been found.

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Porro has been teasing his extended stay at Spurs in replies to the Premier League club's fans under his most recent TikTok post on Saturday, which was a video of him scoring in shooting practice at Spain training at their base in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

One user said "Stay at Spurs Pedro" to which the Spaniard replied with a wide eyes emoji and a white heart to signify Tottenham. Another who pleaded "Renew the contract please" got the same response from Porro along with a pair of clapping hands.

Among the other priorities for Tottenham in the new contract stakes will be centre-back Micky van de Ven, who captained the side in Cristian Romero's absence, and potentially goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after his breakthrough this season. Ben Davies has already been handed a 12-month extension to his deal to take him into a 13th season at the club while Yves Bissouma was released without an option taken up on his contract to add another year.

Richarlison's deal ends in 12 months' time and Spurs will have to decide this summer whether to extend it or sell the Brazilian striker, who was their top scorer this season.

World Cup legend tells Tottenham wonderkid that he must stay and work with Roberto De Zerbi

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The Tottenham midfielder has been linked with a move away from the club this summer but one of his legendary countrymen believes he should stay

Lucas Bergvall should remain at Tottenham and continue to develop under Roberto De Zerbi, believes Sweden legend Tomas Brolin.

Bergvall arrived at Spurs in 2024 from Djurgarden with the north London club seeing off competition from Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt to sign the teenager. Tottenham's injury problems and the quick adaptation of the now 20-year-old to the Premier League means that he has already played 78 times for the club, scoring twice and providing nine assists. He also won the fans' player of the year award in his first season.

The young midfielder also succumbed to the club's injury problems and suffered an ankle injury in the second half of both of his seasons at the club, ensuring he missed a couple of months of both campaigns, including the Europa League final last year.

He started De Zerbi's first match at Sunderland but then only got handfuls of minutes here and there before watching the final two games unused from the bench as the Italian went with older, experienced players in the centre of the park in Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha to ensure Spurs veered away from the relegation on the last day.

Despite his ability, there has been talk of Bergvall, who is at the World Cup with Sweden, departing this summer, either on loan or permanently, as Tottenham are looking for another midfielder in the transfer window and without European football this season there will be less minutes to hand around De Zerbi's squad.

However, Brolin, who helped Sweden to third place in the 1994 World Cup and was fourth in the Ballon d'Or that year, believes Bergvall should remain in north London.

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"I am no agent. I am no advisor. He is good enough to handle it himself, but he has the potential. I like Lucas Bergvall as a player and Tottenham, yes, they had a crap year this year, absolutely, but I think many of us hope that they won't have that next year. So Lucas seems to be settling in well at Tottenham, seems to thrive there," the 56-year-old former Parma star said through Hajper.

"Tottenham also had a lot of injuries this year, not just Lucas. There were many key players who were injured. There is no team that can handle that. It's not easy to perform, that's just how it is. Tottenham had an unlucky year with many injuries. So it's just a matter of crossing our fingers for that team that they don't end up in that situation.

"So, the best thing for Lucas, who is still young, is probably to be in the same club and get to know them even better and develop there. So I don't think it's any major problem that Lucas remains at Tottenham and continues to develop into a fantastically good football player."

What the media said about new Tottenham signing Andy Robertson after Scotland World Cup opener

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Tottenham's new signing became the first player from the north London club to take part in the 2026 World Cup in the early hours of Sunday morning

There was plenty of praise for new Tottenham star Andy Robertson after the Scotland captain played his part in his country's 1-0 World Cup win against Haiti in Boston.

Much of the UK - well south of the border anyway - would have been asleep as the Scots opened their participation in the tournament with a victory over their Caribbean opponents in a game that kicked off at 2am GMT. Across the Atlantic, the match began at 9pm in Boston and in the end a 28th minute John McGinn goal was enough to hand Scotland the victory on their return to the World Cup after 28 years away.

Coming after Brazil and Morocco drew in the earlier game, the win for Steve Clarke's side sent them top of Group C and gives them a much better chance of reaching the knockout stages of this year's bigger, expanded World Cup.

Robertson, making his World Cup debut at 32-year-old, has enjoyed a whirlwind week with his free transfer completed to join Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham after winning everything possible at Liverpool and now he was leading his country to victory in the United States.

The Spurs left-back posted strong numbers during the game across his 90-minute performance with two key passes, three clearances, one tackle, one interception, one dribble. He also had a 71.4 per cent pass rate as he attempted to get Scotland up the pitch with 10 long passes and five crosses, six of those being accurate and a couple of very dangerous crosses into the Haiti box.

"What an amazing feeling. The lads achieved their dreams today. It was such a long day waiting, I can't imagine what the fans back home were like staying up so late," Robertson told the BBC. "The fact we managed to walk out onto the pitch and sing the national anthem together, it was so special. To then go and follow it up with a win, it doesn't get much better than that.

"Three important points - OK people expected us to win, but we had to go out and do it. It was so important to win that game and I'm so glad we did it.

"The biggest thing was when we scored we didn't look like conceding, and that has to be a credit to every single player out there that defended for their lives. We worked so well from a defensive point of view and when you're 1-0 up, that's what you need.

"It's the World Cup, it's the biggest stage. People get nervous near the end, but we felt pretty relaxed on the pitch."

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The fans on the BBC website gave Robertson a 7.48 in their player ratings, behind only McGinn and Ben Gannon-Doak. But what did the media make of the new Tottenham defender's performance at the World Cup? Here's a selection of the comments and scores from various ratings for the left-back.

BBC

Some outstanding deliveries from wide on the left could have brought more goals. Linked-up well with McGinn. 7

The Scotsman

The captain was kept on his toes by lively winger Deedson in the first half. Got forward when he could and had some nice link-up play with McGinn. Delivered a couple of delicious crosses. 7

Daily Record

Experience was crucial at calming things down when it threatened to get tense but also had to be alert to deal with lively Louicius Deedson while being involved in some decent combinations with McGinn. 7

Independent

Constantly offered an outlet and helped to keep the width when McGinn drifted inside. Was rarely threatened in defence though could have offered more in attack. 6

The Herald

The Scotland captain, like many of his team-mates, was steady if unspectacular. Did his job defensively and chose his moments to burst forward. Sent an inviting ball in towards Shankland but it was inches off the mark. 7

talkSPORT

Skipper Andy Robertson was his industrious self, flying up and down the left flank. The left-back, who recently joined Spurs, whipped in five crosses, the most among the Scottish team and never let the team down. 7

Goal

Like Hickey, the former Liverpool defender heading to Tottenham had some uncomfortable moments against Haiti’s speed. Also like his full back partner, he delivered in big moments towards the end of the match. 6

TNT Sports

The captain produced some wonderful crosses going forward, which on another night might have brought Scotland more joy. 7

Edinburgh Evening News

Earning his 93rd cap. Picked out Hirst with an early free-kick before drilling a long range effort wide. Got forward relatively well. 6

MSN

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero Tottenham futures decided amid Man Utd and Liverpool links

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Tottenham dup Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have both been linked with moves away from north London - but what should Spurs do with their star centre-backs?

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have both been linked to summer transfer window exits from Tottenham. The latter has emerged as a target for Real Madrid alongside links to Liverpool while the Spurs captain could depart following a controversial season in north London, with Manchester United and Atletico Madrid rumoured to be keen.

Both central defenders see their current contracts expire in 2029, which places Tottenham in a strong position. However, it does look as though preparations are being made for at least one defensive departure with Marcos Senesi joining and Jan Paul Van Hecke being intensely pursued.

There is a scenario, albeit unlikely, that both depart while the duo staying cannot be entirely ruled out with Roberto De Zerbi set for some big decisions this summer. The younger and more unique Van de Ven is likely to cost more but Romero's experience and trophy cabinet also means he will not be cheap.

With all of that being said, football.london 's writers have had their say on the futures of Romero and Van de Ven ahead of the trading period officially opening in less than one week.

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Scott Trotter

Cristian Romero has overstayed his welcome. The Argentina international is regularly linked with a transfer away from the club, and while on his day, he’s an impressive defender, Tottenham may have been better off cashing in. He’s meant to be a dressing room leader, but remains a liability due to the rash actions he can take. He may feel he’s outgrown the club, but he’s been a central figure in a team that has struggled and made things more difficult on occasion.

Micky van de Ven’s situation is trickier. The Dutchman has been unable to help Spurs to strong finishes, but looks to have everything required to be a defender at the top level. The parties interested in him say a lot about his ability, and the 25-year-old feels like a player that you lay a foundation with rather than watch someone else benefit from his talent.

Richard Cusack

The best thing to do would be for Spurs to bring an end to the Cristian Romero era and move him on. He's a great defender, there's no doubt about that, but his leadership skills are certainly in question. He continues to be linked with a move to Atletico Madrid and it might be best for all parties that he moves on.

As for Van de Ven, I think his ceiling is much higher. He's got quality and time on his side which is a real asset for Spurs. Paradoxically, it actually might make more sense selling him because of the fee they would be able to command, rather than waiting for a team to offer Romero the escape route he keeps being linked with.

Joe Doyle

As good as Cristian Romero has been for Spurs, it's time for him to leave. It's fairly obvious he wants out, and has done for some time - it would be best for everyone involved if he moved away this summer.

He's a very good centre-back, of that there's no doubt. But his temperament has always been an issue on the pitch, and agitating for a move is never sustainable. You can't have the captain of the club looking for the exit door every transfer window.

I think Micky van de Ven is a clearer option to stay. However, the injury issues that have plagued him in recent seasons are a massive issue. If they could get a good price for him - and it would have to be very good - I'd be tempted to also move him on, provided a good quality replacement can be found.

Sam Truelove

Cristian Romero needs to go. I think everyone knows it and everyone expects it. It's a sad end to the captain's time at the club but it's clear his future lies elsewhere. His attitude has also been questioned and I just think it will be best for both parties if they go their separate ways this summer, especially as he should bring in a decent fee.

Micky van de Ven, though, is the future of the club. It's possible the Dutchman is made the new club captain if Romero does depart and under Roberto De Zerbi the centre-back should flourish. Van de Ven can also help Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke is he joins and wonderkid Luka Vuskovic in their development.

Yves Bissouma lined up for Tottenham reunion as clubs plot move for £30m signing

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Yves Bissouma will leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer and is already being linked with a return to the Premier League

Former Tottenham Hotspur star Yves Bissouma is being linked with a move to a Premier League club just days after his departure from Spurs was confirmed. Tottenham announced earlier this week that Bissouma would be leaving the club this summer when his contract expires.

Bissouma spent the majority of his final season in north London on the sidelines with injury, with a combination of knee and ankle issues preventing the midfielder from featuring during the first half of the campaign.

The Mali international eventually made his first appearance of the season on January 17 in a 2-1 defeat to West Ham, which went on to be the first of 11 appearances he made across the campaign.

Just days after his departure from Spurs was confirmed, Bissouma is now reportedly a player of interest to Premier League club Brighton.

Sports Boom are reporting that the Seagulls are weighing up whether to make a move to sign their former midfielder, with Bissouma leaving the Amex Stadium to join Tottenham back in 2023.

The report claims that Coventry City, who are managed by Frank Lampard, are also expressing an interest in signing Bissouma as a free agent this summer.

Bissouma left Brighton in the summer of 2023 to complete a £30million move to Tottenham.

The midfielder made 111 appearances during his three years at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and could now be about to rejoin his former club on a free transfer.

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If Bissouma was to move to either Brighton or Coventry, it would see the midfielder have the chance to go up against Tottenham in the first season since his departure.

The exact dates for when Spurs could face Brighton and Coventry are yet to be confirmed, with the Premier League set to announce the fixtures for the new season later this month.

Tottenham sent a message of appreciation to Bissouma earlier this week as they confirmed that the midfielder would be leaving the club.

“We can confirm the departure of Yves Bissouma following the conclusion of his contract,” the post on X read.

“Thank you for your service and all the best for the future, Biss.”

Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic at centre of brutal message before England World Cup game

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Tottenham centre-back Luka Vuskovic is pushing to start for Croatia in their World Cup opener against England in Dallas on Wednesday

Tottenham gem Luka Vuskovic cannot start for Croatia against England. That's the verdict of experienced Croat coach Ilija Loncarevic, who has gone against the grain and indicated the teenager's development needs to be managed despite an eye-catching loan spell with Hamburg.

Brighton have already lodged a £30million bid for Vuskovic and now he could be tasked with stopping Harry Kane on his World Cup debut in Dallas next week.

Loncarevic has concerns, however, telling newspaper Sportske Novosti: "The World Cup will be good for him, he will play some but he is not a player the national team should depend on.

"You can't be a stopper if nine out of your 10 interventions are not clean or the jump is not a good one or you are late to the duel.

"He has to solve that and he will solve it if Tottenham pulls him into the Premiership."

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Vuskovic is known for his goalscoring prowess from set-pieces but there is still doubt as to whether Roberto De Zerbi is ready to thrust him straight into Spurs' first-team.

Loncarevic thinks he needs to prove himself in the Premier League first before he becomes a cornerstone of the national team's backline.

The 81-year-old ex-Dinamo Zagreb boss continued: "He needs to come to England and see where he is, Germany is a weaker league after all. A defender's career cannot be judged by his performance in attack and goals.

"I watched him at a younger age and he had problems in the last phase of defence, with duels, recognition and high balls, and it is impossible for us to go against the English with such a young stopper."

Tottenham are facing a big call on Vuskovic's future as Brighton's interest is linked to Spurs' pursuit of Jan Paul van Hecke.

The former wants to play regularly following a barnstorming loan in Germany but Roberto De Zerbi is already stacked with options at the back and may favour another loan.

Brighton are said to have made inroads with Vuskovic and his inner circle as they are prepared to provide assurances of minutes and can offer him a clear pathway to develop.

Another loan would potentially only cause Vuskovic further uncertainty at Tottenham, particularly if they land Van Hecke on top of signing Marcos Senesi on a free transfer from Bournemouth.

Jan Paul van Hecke sets record straight on Tottenham transfer before World Cup debut

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Tottenham are expected to launch a fresh bid for Jan Paul van Hecke while Brighton are also eyeing Spurs youngster Luka Vuskovic after making a £30million offer

Jan Paul van Hecke wants to join Tottenham - but he is also keen to avoid distractions ahead of his World Cup debut with Holland.

The Brighton centre-back, who has already been the subject of two rejected Spurs bids, looks set to partner Virgil van Dijk at the back for Oranje against Japan.

He insists he already has "clarity" on his future, hinting a reunion with Roberto De Zerbi is only a matter of time.

Van Hecke said before the Netherlands' Group F opener: “First of all, I just want to focus on the Dutch national team on Sunday.

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“That is a very important match for us, for me. So that’s my focus until now. Of course, things are also playing, and I know that myself too. But that’s not for now, that’s more after the World Cup. I will then see where I play.

“I have also said very clearly that I would like to have clarity for myself before the World Cup. And I have that too. But then for now for myself it’s just clear. I just want to play the World Cup as well as possible.

“That clarity will probably come after the World Cup when I make that step, then it’s clear to everyone."

Ronald Koeman has been so impressed with Van Hecke since his international debut in 2024, Micky van de Ven - his potential new club team-mate - has been permanently shifted to left-back.

Van Hecke will also fulfil a childhood dream when he makes his World Cup bow.

His uncle Jan Poortvliet, a flying full-back, played in Holland's 3-1 1978 World Cup final defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires.

For that reason, he never forgets his roots and he's also relishing the fact former club NAC Breda will benefit financially from his impending transfer to north London as they have a 7.5 per cent sell-on clause.

The Dutchman continued: “My story is special anyway, because I was still playing as a main class amateur at 17.

“We were promoted then and that is of course special now that you take such a step and very nice amounts will eventually go back to where you started.

"Of course those people are watching and thinking about that amount!"

Koeman is hopeful Van Hecke's Brighton team-mate Bart Verbruggen will be fit to start in goal despite a recent hip injury.

Albion are also in contact with Spurs about signing Luka Vuskovic, who the Seagulls would be willing to pay up to £30million for.