Football London

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.

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.

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."

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

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 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 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.

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.

Roberto De Zerbi wants to make wholesale changes to the Tottenham Hotspur squad this summer, and Johan Lange has already lined up a few deals ahead of the transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur have already begun preparations for next season, with Roberto De Zerbi eager to build a new team from scratch. As soon as it was confirmed that the Lilywhites had avoided relegation from the Premier League, the 47-year-old immediately turned his attention to the transfer window.

Speaking to reporters following the nervy win over Everton on the final day of the campaign, De Zerbi raised eyebrows when he suggested that half of the squad could be axed this summer. The Italian 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, in an interview with club media once the dust had settled, De Zerbi doubled down. He said: "I'm looking forward to build a new team. I'm looking forward to call 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 De Zerbi. "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."

So, with that being said, football.london has looked at what business Tottenham have already done ahead of the summer transfer window.

De Zerbi signs Premier League-proven stars

The Lilywhites have already welcomed a couple of new faces to Hotspur Way this summer, and De Zerbi seems determined to bolster his squad with Premier League-proven talent. Tottenham began by signing Andrew Robertson on a free transfer from Liverpool.

The Spurs boss described him as a 'proven winner', who will add 'technical quality, experience, leadership and mentality' to the team. Johan Lange also pointed out that Robertson's 'professionalism and commitment' will be 'invaluable to the development of the squad'.

Then, before Senesi earned a late call-up to the Argentina squad at the World Cup, the Lilywhites wrapped up another deal. Tottenham signed the 29-year-old centre-back on a free transfer from Bournemouth.

Singing from the same hymn sheet, the Tottenham sporting director noted Senesi's 'combination of quality, intelligence and leadership' as a factor behind his arrival. Meanwhile, among his many attractive traits, De Zerbi expressed fondness for his 'personality to thrive in a demanding environment'.

To arrive: Andrew Robertson and Marco Senesi.

Bissouma leads mass Tottenham exodus

Yves Bissouma headlined the waves of departures from Hotspur Way earlier this month. The 29-year-old midfielder, whom Tottenham signed from Brighton for £30m during the summer of 2022, didn't have the desired impact in north London, and his final season was plagued with injury problems.

He was followed out the back door by a handful of under-21 and under-18 players, who had enjoyed varying levels of success in the academy over the years. An official statement from the club reads: "We extend our grateful thanks to all departing players and their families for their contributions to the club and wish them every success in the future."

football.london's writers debate whether Tottenham Hotspur should keep or sell Luka Vuskovic, who has been heavily linked with a move away this summer

Tottenham Hotspur have a huge decision to make over the future of talented defender Luka Vuskovic.

The 19-year-old signed for Spurs when he was just 16 years old, joining from Hajduk Split in a deal believed to be worth around £12million. But the Croatian did not officially join the north Londoners until last year after he had turned 18.

Vuskovic, who is part of Croatia's World Cup 2026 squad, is regarded as one of the best emerging defenders in world football and impressed on loan at Hamburg last season. It's believed a number of clubs are tracking the teenager ahead of the summer transfer window, with it being reported on Friday that Brighton & Hove Albion have made a £30million offer.

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With Roberto De Zerbi now at the helm, Vuskovic's future at the club is unclear. Cristian Romero has been linked with a move away but Spurs have been pursuing Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke, and have already signed Marcos Senesi.

So, should Tottenham keep Vuskovic? Or should they look to cash in on the defender? football.london's writers have their say, below!

Sam Truelove

Luka Vuskovic is certainly a decent player who could, one day, develop into a world class talent. Micky van de Ven will be Spurs' left-sided centre-back next season and it's just a matter of who will partner the Dutchman.

Cristian Romero looks likely to leave but Roberto De Zerbi seems intent on signing Jan Paul van Hecke, which would probably make Vuskovic the third-choice centre-back at the club. Vuskovic needs to play and I see his situation extremely similar to that of William Saliba a few years ago.

Despite Arsenal fans crying out for Saliba to play, Mikel Arteta sent the Frenchman (then aged 19) on loan to Nice and then to Marseille. Those minutes proved invaluable and the defender came back to Emirates Stadium a different beast.

Vuskovic should follow a similar path, I believe. Tottenham should not sell the defender this summer but instead look to loan him out. Whether that is to a Premier League side like Brighton is another question, but the Seagulls certainly do have a knack of improving players.

Verdict: Loan move

Jake Stokes

Luka Vuskovic should go out on loan next season. The 19-year-old defender would be a brilliant addition to the Tottenham Hotspur squad next season, but Roberto De Zerbi needs to steady the ship before he, or the club, begin to integrate any exciting young players.

Next season, the Lilywhites will no doubt be heavily scrutinised as they look to qualify for one of UEFA's three club competitions. The Spurs boss and his players will be under immense pressure to deliver results and, ultimately, avoid another relegation battle.

Although Vuskovic would bolster De Zerbi's options at the back, he wouldn't be afforded the freedom to continue his development at the same rate while learning from his mistakes. Back at Hamburg, for example, the teenager, who was a fan favourite, could pick up from where he left off and relish his somewhat talismanic role.

Meanwhile, Tottenham could bring in Jan Paul van Hecke, as well as a few other Premier League-proven players, and steady the ship. In an ideal world, De Zerbi will still be in charge with European football under his belt; Vuskovic can then hit the ground running in a settled team that doesn't feel like it's in a constant state of emergency or panic.

Verdict: Loan move

Alasdair Gold

Spurs have made some utterly daft transfer decisions over the years but selling Luka Vuskovic might just sit at the top of the tree.

After the season he's had, £30million is a drop in the ocean compared to what the teenage Croatian's value has soared to after a year in which he finished in the Bundesliga Team of the Year with the likes of Harry Kane.

One can only hope it's part of Brighton's gameplan to get more money out of Tottenham for Van Hecke, because even contemplating selling one of the top young defensive talents in the game right now before he's even pulled on the shirt for the club would be remarkable.

If Spurs get Van Hecke then Vuskovic will not play enough football so a loan move makes far more sense, even if there's an argument for getting him involved now rather than signing the Dutchman. However, the 26-year-old was arguably De Zerbi's most successful project at Brighton with the rapid improvements he made so the Italian knows what he can bring while the Croatian is yet to work with him.

That doesn't mean Spurs should jettison Vuskovic now for someone else to gain. Brighton could flip him within a year at that price and double their money.

Arsenal showed with William Saliba's three loans that you can be patient with centre-backs and now they are reaping the rewards. Tottenham must do the same.