Football London

Tottenham vs Auckland LIVE - Dane Scarlett and Richarlison score as Luca Williams-Barnett starts  Football London

Tottenham predicted team vs Auckland as De Zerbi makes decision on big stars  Football London

Tottenham Hotspur were linked with a move for Crysencio Summerville before his departure from West Ham

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly had an interest in signing former West Ham star Crysencio Summerville - only to be turned down by the Netherlands international.

Summerville’s future has been the subject of intense speculation, and there was uncertainty over which club he would join this summer.

In the end, it was confirmed this week that Summerville had completed a permanent move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal in a deal reportedly worth around £60million.

Summerville’s exit is the latest high-profile departure from West Ham since their relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season.

Mateus Fernandes left the Hammers earlier this summer to complete an £85million move to Tottenham, and it seems that Spurs had their eye on another potential deal with their London rivals.

A report in The Athletic has claimed that Tottenham had an interest in signing Summerville, only to have their efforts rejected by the Netherlands international.

The report has claimed that Summerville turned down the chances to join Spurs out of respect to West Ham, who share a London rivalry with Tottenham.

Manchester United have also been mentioned as having held an interest in signing Summerville, but they are also reported to have failed in their efforts to bring the 24-year-old to Old Trafford.

It’s been reported that the uncertainty around Marcus Rashford’s future meant that a deal for Summerville never reached an advanced stage.

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Spurs have already had a busy summer transfer window, and it remains to be seen what more deals could be completed before the deadline passes.

Sandro Tonali, Jan Paul van Hecke and Fernandes have all been signed on permanent deals, while Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka have all arrived as free agents following the expiration of the contracts at their respective clubs.

Spurs have until September 1 to complete their transfer business for the summer, with the squad currently in New Zealand for the next stage of their pre-season preparations.

Here are five things we spotted as Tottenham Hotspur trained at Eden Park in New Zealand ahead of their pre-season match against Auckland

Tottenham's players took to the pitch at Eden Park on Saturday to train ahead of their pre-season friendly match in New Zealand against Auckland FC.

Spurs are set to take on the A-League winners in front of 40,000 fans on Sunday (4am kick-off UK time) for their second friendly of the summer after winning 1-0 against League One side MK Dons at Hotspur Way on Wednesday. The north London side embarked the following morning on a long-haul flight for New Zealand and arrived just under 30 hours later after a couple of stops.

After getting into their hotel in the early hours of Saturday morning - that's in Auckland time which is 11 hours ahead of the UK - Roberto De Zerbi and his squad were given a traditional Maori welcoming ceremony at midday - involving some close contact - before taking on open training in front of the Spurs supporters that evening.

Here are five things football.london spotted in Auckland as our reporter Alasdair Gold watched the hour-long session from the stands in New Zealand:

Team hint

De Zerbi had hinted that he would be cautious with his team line-up so soon after his players had undertaken such a long journey across to the other side of the world.

"The most important thing is to play a serious game, for sure, and don't take risks for the injuries because it was a very long trip. We are at the beginning of the season. We have a lot of players who suffered too many injuries last season, and we have to be serious on the pitch," he said.

That would explain why the Italian brought a big squad of 35 players on tour, including plenty of academy players, when normally the club only take 25 players on their pre-season trips abroad which often are slightly later in the pre-season schedule. It could all be part of Spurs' attempts to cut down injuries for the coming campaign by planning their pre-season more logically with better adaption to the travelling.

Watching training, it was noticeable that the majority of the senior players were mainly doing the warm-up work and then jogging around the pitch.

That left the remaining players to take part in a training match of sorts, which was constantly interrupted by De Zerbi and his coaches as they looked to imprint what they wanted on the teams.

One of the young sides was wearing orange bibs with numbers one to 11 on them and there's a decent chance that could be the team the head coach selects on Sunday to face Auckland.

It contained Brandon Austin in goal, behind a back four of Tye Hall, Malachi Hardy, Kota Takai and Rio Kyerematen. Then Jamie Donley and Archie Gray formed a midfield duo behind a trio of Manor Solomon, Luca Williams-Barnett and Mikey Moore with Dane Scarlett leading the line up top.

Players missing

We know that Mohamed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odobert all remained at Hotspur Way to continue their rehabilitation, while De Zerbi said that Guglielmo Vicario sustained a minor knock in training and needed a week at the training complex.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr were granted extended leave following their appearances at the World Cup.

"Bentancur is a crucial player for us, and Pape Sarr, the same. I spoke after the World Cup with players and for every one of them we take different ways," said the Spurs boss. "Bentancur asked me for one week more because he suffered a very tough season last season, and Pape Sarr has a personal problem, and he asked me for one week more. But nothing, no problem, nothing more than I said."

Pedro Porro, Marcos Senesi, Cristian Romero and Djed Spence are on their holidays after reaching the latter stages of the tournament, with Porro winning it all with Spain.

One player who has not been mentioned by the club is Brazilian left-back Souza and the 20-year-old has also been absent from the tour.

football.london reported last week that the defender had been ill and missed the opening days of pre-season and it is believed that he has remained at Hotspur Way to catch up with his fitness work as he was left lagging behind the group by his absence.

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All eyes on Williams-Barnett

The Kiwi Spurs fans might be on the other side of the world but that doesn't mean they don't know who Luca Williams-Barnett is.

The 17-year-old dazzled in the midweek friendly against MK Dons with his flicks, tricks, dribbling and passing ability in the second half and the teenager looks determined to catch De Zerbi's eye this summer and the fans loved every minute of it.

The long flight did not look to have fazed Williams-Barnett in the swirling rain in Auckland as he continued to show off his superb natural technique with an array of passes through to the forward players, as well as having a couple of attempts at goal himself. After the session he made his way over to the shouting supporters to sign autographs and pose for photos.

Pre-season always brings the chance for at least one youngster to impress and De Zerbi was asked about Williams-Barnett among others on Saturday.

"I'm used to working with young players. I gave in my career big time and space for young players, but they have to show me they are able to play and they are good players," said the head coach. "I never start from the age of the players. From the qualities? Yes. From the attitude and behaviours? Yes. But not for the age."

Maddison's lone work

James Maddison spent much of the session on Saturday doing his own thing, with slow jogs around the Eden Park pitch with a member of the sports science staff.

The 29-year-old has had a tough year after suffering his anterior cruciate ligament injury in South Korea in Son Heung-min's farewell game against Newcastle on tour 12 months ago. The midfielder battled back to play in the final three games of the season as a substitute, while also playing his part off the pitch by motivating his team-mates in their relegation scrap.

However, his non-participation in the win against MK Dons and his separate work on Saturday in Auckland suggests the England international might be carrying a little issue that means he will be ready to take part later in the tour.

Richarlison prank

To those watching inside Eden Park it did seem strange that the crowd were prepared to roar for the team to come out at the start of the session only for Richarlison to rush on to the grass as the only player.

It was only afterwards that what happened became clear when Spurs released footage from inside the tunnel as it turned out the team pranked the Brazilian.

"Let's go boys!" he shouted as he attempted to lead the players out, punching the air as he emerged into the arena. However, his team-mates had all decided to hang the striker out to dry by stopping and standing still to let him rush out alone.

They later followed while laughing and Richarlison saw the funny side with his trademark grin.

Tottenham have already spent £237million this summer but Roberto De Zerbi wants more new signings

Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that Tottenham's £237m transfer splurge is not over as he targets two "important" attackers.

The Italian wants Spurs to compete at the other end of the table this season after two back-to-back 17th place finishes and the club have responded by leading the way in the transfer market.

The north London outfit joined the £100million club by signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle. That smashed their transfer record for the second time in a week after getting Mateus Fernandes from West Ham in an £85million deal.

Spurs also spent £52million on De Zerbi's former Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke with free transfers also sealed for Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka.

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De Zerbi told football.london out in Auckland on the club's summer tour that next up is the attack.

"It's not finished yet our transfer window. We have to finish. The target now is to complete the attacking positions. We want the top level, because we have already important players, but I think to start a new project we need another couple of important players for sure," said the 47-year-old.

De Zerbi admitted that big-spending Tottenham, who have been linked with Manchester City's Savinho and Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi, might not even be finished with a couple more additions.

"We have to bring another couple, maybe more, maybe not less, but a couple of players. I'm very happy, I'm excited to work with the new players, with the old players," he said.

"We are working very well with Johan [Lange] and Vinai [Venkatesham]. We are working with a clear idea. We brought players with a great experience like Andy.

"We need to increase experience, improve mentality. We have to be stronger because in the last two seasons we didn't do what Tottenham has to do. At the moment I'm very excited."

One player linked with the Spurs exit door is Lucas Bergvall with the 20-year-old targeted by Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Brighton this summer among others with £60million expected to be his price tag.

The Swede told the club that he wants to move on this summer as his midfield opportunities shrink amid the spending spree in N17.

De Zerbi is yet to speak to Bergvall but has made it clear that he only wants players at Tottenham that are excited about being part of his project.

"Listen, I was very clear at the start of my time in Tottenham. I said 'Who doesn't want to stay in Tottenham, who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave'" said the Italian.

"I want proud players who are happy to stay here and to go on the pitch at Tottenham Stadium with a big motivation. If you think also in the World Cup, the motivation makes the difference. The motivation is to be happy to stay in one team."

He added: "I have not spoken with Lucas yet, I will in the next days and we will make the best decision for the club, for Lucas, for me, for every one of us. Without problems, Lucas is a big, big talent.

"There will be a big competition to play because at the end I think we will be two players for each position. If he wants to stay, I will be happy. Otherwise, we have to find a new solution with Johan, with Vinai. It's not my business after the decision to leave [if that happens]."

De Zerbi had positive news on Mohammed Kudus with the Ghana attacker set to return to training with the group when they return from their tour in New Zealand and Australia.

The 25-year-old has been out of action since January while the club are slowly bringing Dejan Kulusevski back to fitness after more than a year out with a knee injury, with the Swede to be assessed over the next couple of weeks. De Zerbi said that both attackers are 'important players' for the season ahead.

Andy Robertson not scared of Djed Spence challenge and explains why Tottenham will be different  Football London

The Tottenham Hotspur head coach has been speaking for the first time this season ahead of the pre-season friendly against Auckland FC

Roberto De Zerbi had plenty to say at his first press conference of the season as Tottenham arrived in New Zealand for their summer tour.

football.london was in Auckland to ask the questions after a summer in which the Spurs head coach has seen the club splash out £237m for him on new signings with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes joining for a combined £185million, £52million splurged on Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke with three free transfers secured for Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka.

Our Spurs reporter Alasdair Gold is in Auckland and was among those putting questions to De Zerbi ahead of Sunday's match against Auckland FC at Eden Park. Here's the full transcript from the press conference in New Zealand.

What are you wanting to get out of this game tomorrow?

It's an important game for us. We are at the beginning of the pre-season. The most important thing is to play a serious game, for sure, and don't take risks for the injuries because it was a very long trip. We are at the beginning of the season. We have a lot of players who suffered too many injuries last season, and we have to be serious on the pitch.

We have to improve everything we need, but we can't forget the season will start in 20-25 days, and we are here to improve our physical condition, our knowledge, our connection between the players. We are happy to be here because it's an amazing country, amazing experience for us, but we can't forget that we are here not on holiday, but we are here to be better when the Premier League starts.

What did you make of the traditional welcome you just got?

It's important for us because we know the culture of New Zealand. It's a great experience. We are looking forward to playing tomorrow and to play against the winner of the New Zealand League in front of a lot of people because I think there will be 40,000 spectators, and we are ready.

What's it like for you to travel this far for a game, and what's the longest you've travelled before to play a match?

It was the longest trip for sure, but listen, football in this part of the history is like this, because a lot of very important clubs, they go in the pre-season in this type of tournament.

We accept to do that, but anyway we can't lose our focus. Our focus is the beginning of the Premier League, to improve the physical condition of the players, the young players. They come inside of our methodology, of our style of play. We have no excuse, but it was a very long trip and we have to manage that in the best way.

You're taking on a club in Auckland FC currently without a manager. How do you approach a game like this?

Sometimes you know in football it's better if you are not a coach. You have to ask the players if he's better or worse. I know they won the last New Zealand league.

For sure they want to show they are good players. It will be a good game because we play with the best team we can put tomorrow. A lot of young players for sure because we have many players who finished the World Cup. We don't take risks, I have to repeat about the injuries, but for us it's a serious game for sure.

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How much is this game almost a trial for some of the younger players?

It's important because football for me is important the name, it's important the career, but it's important what I can watch on the game, during the game. We are all at the same place, the same point, especially for the young players.

I want them to play like a normal game because if we are here it's because we want to play well, we want to play seriously. No excuses, no friendly game, a normal game.

The club has been very decisive in the transfer window, spent big money early, how important has it been to get these players in quickly in pre-season and what else do you want to happen?

First of all I think it's not finished yet our transfer market window. We have to finish, we have to bring another couple, maybe more, maybe not less, but a couple of players. I'm very happy, I'm excited to work with the new players, with the old players.

I think we are working very well with Johan and Vinai. We are working with a clear idea. We brought players with a great experience like Robbo.

I think we need this type of players because we need to increase experience, we have to improve in mentality. We have to be stronger because in the last two seasons we didn't do what Tottenham has to do. At the end of the transfer market we will make the point to close the transfer market session. But at the moment I'm very excited.

You've improved the defence in the window and two big midfielders as well, is it fair to say the attack is where you want more?

Yes, yes, the target now is to complete the attacking positions. We want the first target, the first level, because we have already important players. But I think to start a new project we need another couple of important players for sure.

Lucas Bergvall has been linked with a move away all summer, does the fact that he's on this tour tell us anything about his future?

Listen, I was very clear at the start of my time in Tottenham. I said 'Who doesn't want to stay in Tottenham, who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave'. I want proud players who are happy to stay here and to go on the pitch at Tottenham Stadium with a big motivation. If you think also in the World Cup, the motivation makes the difference. The motivation is to be happy to stay in one team.

I have not spoken with Lucas yet, I will in the next days. And we will make the best decision for the club, for Lucas, for me, for every one of us. Without problems, Lucas is a big, big talent. There will be a big competition to play because at the end I think we will be two players for each position. If he wants to stay, I will be happy. Otherwise, we have to find a new solution with Johan Lange, with Vinai (Venkatesham). It's not my business after the decision to leave (if that happens).

And why were Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr given more time off?

Bentancur is a crucial player for us, and Pape Sarr, the same. I spoke after the World Cup with players and for every one of them we take different ways. Bentancur asked me for one week more because he suffered a very tough season last season, and Pape Sarr has a personal problem, and he asked me for one week more. But nothing, no problem, nothing more than I said.

You've got exciting young players at the club, like Luca Williams-Barnett, is this an opportunity to look at players like him and how excited are you about him and others?I'm used to working with young players. I gave in my career big time and space for young players, but they have to show me they are able to play and they are good players. I never start from the age of the players. From the qualities? Yes. From the attitude and behaviours? Yes. But not for the age.

You've kept Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski at Hotspur Way as they continue their rehabilitation, how close are they both to returning?

And Vicario, because Vicario has an injury. Not a big injury, but he needs to stay one week in London.

How close are Kudus and Kulusevski though?

Kudus is very close, I think. When we come back to London, he will be available to start to work with us. It is a great thing for us. Because Kudus is another important player. And Kulusevski, we have to see in the next couple of weeks. He is another important player. But after one season, one complete season, without games, we have to analyse better and better and don't take risks for sure. First of all, for him, and then for us.

The Tottenham Hotspur head coach and one of his new signings are speaking to the media in New Zealand as their pre-season tour kicks off

Roberto De Zerbi and Andy Robertson are speaking at a press conference in Auckland as Tottenham's summer tour begins in New Zealand.

It is the first time that the Spurs head coach and his new signing, one of six already sealed in the transfer window, will speak to the media ahead of Sunday's match Auckland FC at Eden Park. Tottenham have splashed out £237m this summer on new signings with the most expensive being Sandro Tonali from Newcastle for £92.5million plus £7.5million in potential add-ons.

That deal saw the north London outfit smash their transfer record for the second time in a week after getting Mateus Fernandes from West Ham in an £85million deal, while £52million was also spent on Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke with free transfers tied up for Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka to bolster De Zerbi's squad.

The Italian has brought 35 players to New Zealand, before Spurs head on to Australia for friendlies against Sydney FC and Chelsea, but has left some stars behind at Hotspur Way due to either injury or rest after the World Cup.

Our Spurs reporter Alasdair Gold is in Auckland putting questions to De Zerbi and Robertson. Scroll down for his latest updates from the press conference in New Zealand.

De Zerbi will take a good look at Spurs' young players like Luca Williams-Barnett

I'm used to working with young players. I gave in my career big time and space for young players, but they have to show me they are able to play and they are good players. I never start from the age of the players. From the qualities? Yes. From the attitude and behaviours? Yes. But not for the age.

De Zerbi wants new attackers

Yes, yes, the target now is to complete the attacking positions. We want the first target, the first level, because we have already important players. But I think to start a new project we need another couple of important players for sure.

De Zerbi wants more

First of all I think it's not finished yet our transfer market window. We have to finish, we have to bring another couple, maybe more, maybe not less, but a couple of players. I'm very happy, I'm excited to work with the new players, with the old players. I think we are working very well with Johan and Vinai. We are working with a clear idea. We brought players with a great experience like Robbo. I think we need this type of players because we need to increase experience, we have to improve in mentality. We have to be stronger because in the last two seasons we didn't do what Tottenham has to do. At the end of the transfer market we will make the point to close the transfer market session. But at the moment I'm very excited.

‌

On facing Auckland FC who don't have a manager

Sometimes you know in football it's better if you are not a coach. You have to ask the players if he's better or worse. I know they won the last New Zealand league. For sure they want to show they are good players. It will be a good game because we play with the best team we can put tomorrow. A lot of young players for sure because we have many players who finished the World Cup. We don't take risks, I have to repeat about the injuries, but for us it's a serious game for sure.

De Zerbi up first

It's an important game for us. We are at the beginning of the pre-season. The most important thing is to play a serious game, for sure, and don't take risks for the injuries because it was a very long trip. We are at the beginning of the season. We have a lot of players who suffered too many injuries last season, and we have to be serious on the pitch. We have to improve everything we need, but we can't forget the season will start in 20-25 days, and we are here to improve our physical condition, our knowledge, our connection between the players. We are happy to be here because it's an amazing country, amazing experience for us, but we can't forget that we are here not on holiday, but we are here to be better when the Premier League starts.

There was an earthquake this morning

There was a 'severe' earthquake in New Zealand this morning just 146 miles from Auckland with 23,000 people reporting it not long after Spurs arrived in the country. You can find out more about that by heading right here.

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Welcome to New Zealand

We're live from Auckland as Roberto De Zerbi and Andy Robertson prepare to speak to the media for the first time this season.

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Tottenham's owners the Lewis family have wasted little time in backing Roberto De Zerbi in the transfer market

The Lewis family shake up at Tottenham Hotspur this summer looks to be continuing with Cristian Romero tipped to leave the club this summer.

The Argentinian's representative, Ciro Palermo, was spotted in Milan ahead of a porposed transfer to Serie A side Inter on the back of his World Cup campaign.

Spurs are expected to offload their captain this summer with Inter in pole position to sign the 28-year-old having held talks with his agent.

Barcelona had also been linked with a move for Romero, who has a reported £42.7m asking price.

It would be the first real major money departure since Daniel Levy departed the club, with the Lewis Family vowing to change the club's trajectory after two season's of struggle.

Spurs narrowly avoided relegation last season, a year on from a 17th placed finish, glossed over by some after winning the Europa League title.

While the club may not have been in any real danger of the drop in 2024/25, last season's display was a real concern and had it not been for Roberto De Zerbi's appointment, Spurs could have been playing in the Championship this season.

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At the end of last season, the Lewis family released a statement which read: "To the fans, As owners of 25 years, we have lived the highs and lows of Spurs with you. Finishing 17th this and last season does not reflect the stature or potential of this football club.

"We are bitterly disappointed and share your frustration. You, and we, expect more than this. We know this must never happen again.

"Our approach to running the club is, and has been, to trust the experts to do that, while backing them to be successful. The problems we found were deeper than we realised and were allowed to build over the last few years.

"We know that has eroded trust and we have to win that back. As owners, we take ultimate responsibility for the situation in which the club finds itself.

"We also take responsibility for rebuilding Spurs. Our ambition is to recapture the spirit of the club and bring back the excitement, the fearlessness and the bold football we have always felt defined us.

"That means football comes first. The board and executive team have laid out their plans to meet this ambition.

"This will require investment - in our teams, the academy, our backroom functions and more - and we are fully committed to this. We are not selling the club. We are all in. We are investing in it. You will see more of this in the coming months.

"We care deeply about Spurs. The rebuild the club needs, and you deserve, has begun. The change required is deep. It will take time and commitment, but change is happening. We know that actions will speak louder than words. The Lewis Family."

So far, the Lewis family have stuck to their word and backed De Zerbi in the transfer market with the £100m signing of Sandro Tonali, £85m on Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, and the £52m move for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

Add in the experienced signings of Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson on free transfers, the club have wasted little time in addressing last season's problem area.

'Severe' earthquake felt just hours after Tottenham Hotspur arrive in New Zealand  Football London