Football London

The north London club have handed a new deal to one of their versatile young defenders after a tough season in his career

Tottenham have handed a new contract to long-serving defender Maeson King after a season which saw him come back from a long-term injury.

The 20-year-old, who can play as a left-back or centre-back, has been around the first team set-up in recent seasons, training with them at times during this campaign and last season was named on the bench for both the Premier League victory at Southampton and the Europa League draw with Roma.

King was delighted with his new contract and pointed to experienced defender Ben Davies' help in settling him into the first team environment. Davies has also had a season blighted by an ankle injury and is set to have his own contract extended by the north London club.

"It's an amazing feeling, you always want to be here and keep pushing and when you look around it's one of the best places to be so, yeah it's a really good feeling," King said in his club interview after putting pen to paper. "I signed here when I was nine from Sunday league and I've just progressed through the ranks, every age group and it's actually been a smooth ride so far.

"It's good being adaptable because it helps you to be able to cover many positions. Especially being left-footed it helps as well because there's not many left-footed defenders about."

He added: "Ben Davies especially being a left-back and him being a senior player, he brought me in quite well. He just brings you into the environment and tells you to just be yourself and train as if you're over with the under-21s so you don't have any stress or worries about who you're training with. It's a great experience and you learn so much from it just being in and around it even if it's just training."

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King joined Spurs a decade ago as a 10-year-old and after going full-time as a scholar in 2022, he was part of the north London club's squad that won both the Under-17 and Under-18 Premier League Cup double in the 2022/23 season under Stuart Lewis.

The defender then penned his first professional contract midway through the 2023/24 campaign and later in that season he ended up playing a key role in the defence to help Wayne Burnett's Under-21s side lift the Premier League 2 title.

A long term injury kept King out of action for much of this season until January this year, but he returned to play eight of the remaining matches on the left side of the U21s' back line.

"Obviously I had a long term injury and just being in and around it every day keeps your mind focused on what you want to get back to instead of being completely disconnected from it," he said. "But when you're in and around it you want to get back to it as quick as possible so it definitely helps."

King has played more than 78 games for Tottenham's U21s and U18s over recent years and will now get the chance to continue as one of the older heads in the development squad.

Micky van de Ven appears to have attracted interest from Real Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window.

José Fortes has previously tipped his client, Micky van de Ven, to play for Real Madrid. The Tottenham Hotspur defender has recently been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu as Jose Mourinho looks to bolster his backline.

According to the Sunday Mirror, Los Blancos are interested in signing Van de Ven, and they're ready to make an offer. The report claims that the Netherlands international, who has three years left on his contract in north London, could cost at least £75million.

As it stands, it's unclear whether Spurs would be prepared to sell Van de Ven, with Roberto De Zerbi certainly an admirer, having previously described him as the best in his position in the Premier League. Nevertheless, Mourinho wants to sign a new centre-half as a priority this summer, and the Dutchman has reportedly been identified as a target.

Although Van de Ven has indicated that he will stay at Tottenham, his agent has previously invited offers from Real Madrid. During an interview with Spanish outlet Marca last year, Fortes tipped his client to join Los Blancos.

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Van de Ven's agent, who also manages Ryan Gravenberch, said: "Micky also has the quality to play for a big club like Real Madrid someday. Besides, Madrid needs a defender with his characteristics."

Fortes added: "For my players, effort is non-negotiable. I wasn't a great footballer, but that's why I know how to help them. Micky has this quality; he's a born worker. After his injury, he'll return to a high level, on par with any top club."

On the final day of the Premier League season, when Tottenham avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth, Van de Ven suggested that he plans to stay. Following the 1-0 win over Everton, the Dutchman was asked if he's confident that Spurs can turn things around next term.

The 25-year-old said: "Really confident. I think we have the right people now here. The right manager. So yeah, I’m confident we can do more next year because obviously, as you said, two years in a row we end up 17th, it was unacceptable, especially for a club like Spurs.

"Things are going to need to change, and we’re going to see that’s going to happen. But we’re going to do everything about it, and I’m confident we’re going to do way better than the last two seasons."

In a separate interview with Stadium Astro before the relegation showdown, Van de Ven heaped praise on De Zerbi for his support. The defender said: "Obviously, he came in in a difficult moment as well because we hadn't won for four months, I think, or three months.

"So obviously, he came in a difficult situation as well. But the trust he gave us and so much confidence he gave us. I think you can see now on the pitch as well, the players start to play and start to feel like the confidence."

The owners of Tottenham Hotspur are set to pump more money into the Premier League club and it comes at a time when they are also raising some funds of their own

Tottenham Hotspur's owners, The Lewis Family, are set to inject more money into the club ahead of a big summer and it comes at a time when they are looking to raise £200million themselves by selling some of their vast art collection.

Spurs want to back new head coach Roberto De Zerbi in the transfer market this summer after the Italian steered them clear of relegation following a near disastrous season. That could have cost the club around £250million alone in lost revenue had they dropped down to the Championship.

Tottenham have signed Andy Robertson on a free transfer with Marcos Senesi set to do the same, while they are also in talks for Brighton's £70million-rated defender Jan Paul van Hecke and Manchester City winger Savinho, who is valued up to £60million. That is set to be the start of a busy summer at the north London club with exits and arrivals aplenty as they seek to prevent another season of disappointment.

Within their statement to fans last month, the Lewis family said: "We 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."

At the same time, the world-renowned auctioneers Sotheby's have announced a 'Masterpieces from the Lewis Collection' exhibition and sale which will go on view to the public from June 10–23 June, in a specially-designed exhibition in London, with work from Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele and Amedeo Modigliani to Gustave Caillebotte, Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud.

One portrait from Klimt is valued as being worth up to £30million alone, while a figurine sculpted by Edgar Degas is valued as highly as £25million, along with a Bacon self-portrait worth up to £12million.

Sotheby's say it will provide "a rare opportunity to see, together for the first time, an exceptional concentration of some of the greatest examples of figurative art created in the Modern era".

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Sotheby's press release goes on: "Estimated in the region of £200million, this will be the most valuable single-owner collection ever offered at auction in Europe, bringing together defining masterpieces of modern figurative painting.

"Assembled over decades by Joe Lewis and his daughter Vivienne, many of the works in the collection have been exhibited in major museums across the globe – a testament to their exceptional art historical significance – and many have not been seen on the open market for decades, if at all."

football.london understands the sale is unconnected to the money about to put into the club by the Lewis family through ENIC and that they have been collecting and selling art like this for decades. It does however give a reminder of the financial status of the billionaire family behind Tottenham Hotspur.

It all comes at a time when Eight Sports Capital Limited have claimed that former Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has agreed to sell a large portion of his stake in ENIC to them through a legally binding sale and purchase agreement.

The move, which is yet to be officially confirmed, is said to be for 24.99% of ENIC. Levy, through a family trust, owns 29.8% of the share capital of ENIC. Any such sale would mean the newcomers owning a stake in Spurs but without any decision-making powers or a seat on the board of ENIC, or first refusal if the club is ever sold.

On Friday, when Eight Sports announced the agreement with Levy, an ENIC spokesperson claimed that both the company and Tottenham Hotspur were unaware of the sale and that "the THFC Board and executive team remain fully focused on delivering the commitments we set out to fans at the end of the season".

Cristian Romero could leave Tottenham this summer and there have been links suggesting Manchester United are keeping tabs on his situation

Manchester United have no intention of making a bid for Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, despite reports emerging from Argentina on Monday night claiming that United were keen on the centre-back and that an offer was being lined up.

As revealed by the Manchester Evening News, United sources have firmly dismissed those claims, with the report understood to be well wide of the mark. Romero does not feature on United's summer transfer wishlist.

The Argentine has captained Spurs through back-to-back 17th-place Premier League finishes, with the north London club's top-flight status hanging by a thread this term before Roberto De Zerbi steered them clear of relegation.

Romero, 28, missed the final weeks of the campaign through a knee injury, travelling back to Argentina before returning to England to attend Spurs' last match of the season following significant public backlash.

The defender has endured a troublesome disciplinary record during his time at Tottenham, collecting six red cards, including a straight dismissal against United at Old Trafford back in February.

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It remains to be seen where Romero will play his football next season, but the skipper faces an uncertain future in north London is understood to be keen on playing in Spain.

United's focus this summer lies elsewhere, with a significant midfield overhaul at the top of the agenda. A deal to bring Ederson in from Atalanta has already been agreed, while attention is also being paid to strengthening the left flank.

The club's recruitment team are currently assessing their options at left-back. Newcastle's Lewis Hall has caught their eye, but with three years left on his contract and manager Eddie Howe reluctant to sanction a sale, a deal could prove difficult to broker.

Carrick is well aware of the defensive situation at United, with five senior centre-backs at his disposal in Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.

Maguire and Martinez remain Carrick's preferred centre-back pairing, though both have endured disrupted campaigns. Maguire sat out two matches following his red card against Bournemouth in March, while Martinez was sidelined between February and March with a calf injury.

The Argentine also served a three-match ban after being dismissed for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's ponytail during Leeds' visit to Old Trafford.

Roberto De Zerbi will have to fight hammer and tongs to keep his best players at Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Real Madrid reportedly want to sign Micky van de Ven from Tottenham Hotspur. The 25-year-old defender has recently been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer as Jose Mourinho, who's yet to be formally unveiled as the new Los Blancos boss, looks to bolster his backline.

Over the weekend, Florentino Perez claimed victory in the first contested presidential election at Real Madrid since 2006. During the 79-year-old's campaign to remain at the helm, he announced that the former Chelsea and Spurs gaffer would be appointed as head coach if he were successful.

Perez also promised the signings of Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries from Liverpool and Inter Milan, respectively. He held his position, fending off Enrique Riquelme, who stood against him.

Mourinho, who left Benfica at the end of the season, now looks set to take charge of Real Madrid for the second time in his career, and he's been tasked with leading a rebuild. Eager to deliver silverware to the Spanish capital next season, the 63-year-old has reportedly set his sights on Van de Ven.

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According to the Sunday Mirror, Los Blancos are ready to move for the Netherlands international, who could command an offer in excess of £75million. The report claims that Mourinho wants to sign a new centre-half as a priority this summer.

The newspaper also reckons that a source close to Van de Ven's camp said: "Micky ticks all the boxes for Mourinho. Real are ready to go for him."

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Real Madrid are also interested in signing Josko Gvardiol from Manchester City. As it stands, it is very unlikely that Tottenham would be prepared to entertain offers for Van de Ven, who's currently on international duty at the World Cup.

Roberto De Zerbi would be devastated if he were to lose the Dutchman this summer, having previously showered him with the utmost praise. Speaking to reporters last month ahead of the last day of the Premier League season, the Italian was asked about Van de Ven.

"I think he is the best centre back in the Premier League," said De Zerbi. "We talk a lot of time because I think he suffered maybe too much for the situation of Tottenham this season.

"He's a sensitive guy, he's a good guy, and in my time, I think he played amazing. And for that, I'd answer he's the best centre back, left centre, in the Premier League."

Van de Ven will be in action on Sunday night when the Netherlands begin their World Cup campaign against Japan. Both Mourinho and De Zerbi will be keeping tabs the centre-half in preparation for next term.

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero is reportedly being targeted by Manchester United, with Tottenham lining up a potential replacement.

Manchester United are reportedly drawing up an offer for Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero. Spurs are already working on bolstering their defensive options.

Romero has been the subject of considerable transfer speculation this summer, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid both credited with an interest in the defender. Reports emerging from his native Argentina now suggest that United are looking to steal a march on their rivals and are 'preparing an offer' for the centre-back.

New permanent head coach Michael Carrick is keen to reshape his squad ahead of the upcoming campaign, with United gearing up for a return to the Champions League in 2026/27.

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Tottenham are themselves looking to be active in the transfer window. The club have had two bids rejected by Brighton for defender Jan Paul van Hecke and are thought to be readying a third.

The latest reports claim that Van Hecke has made up his mind about moving to Spurs this summer, despite competition from Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United. Dutch media outlet VI News claims he is keen on a reunion with Roberto De Zerbi and personal terms would be 'a piece of cake.'

Should Romero complete a move to United, he will be eager to banish the painful memories of his last visit to the ground. Back in February, the 28-year-old was dismissed in the 29th minute for a foul on Casemiro, with United capitalising on their numerical advantage through goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes to seal a 2-0 victory.

Speaking after the match, then Spurs manager Thomas Frank disclosed that Romero had offered an apology to his teammates for the red card, which attracted widespread condemnation from pundits. He, however, emphasised that he "clearly tried to go for the ball."

"He was sorry for the incident," Frank stated. "He apologised to his team-mates in the changing room.

"I think he's one of the most important players. When he performs at his top, he's driving the team."

Romero found himself in the spotlight ahead of the final Premier League fixture of the campaign, when he looked set to miss Tottenham's final-day relegation battle while recuperating from injury in Argentina. It was, however, a choice he reversed, with the captain in attendance at the fixture.

Spurs ensured survival from relegation on the final day of the campaign courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Everton.

The Bournemouth centre-back is waiting for two different announcements this week as his Tottenham Hotspur transfer nears

Marcos Senesi faces an anxious wait for two different announcements as the Tottenham transfer target awaits news on his short and long-term future.

Spurs are expected to announce the arrival of the Argentinean centre-back on a free transfer to add to last week's signing of Andy Robertson, with both to join when their contracts at Bournemouth and Liverpool respectively come to an end on June 30. Tottenham are also trying to sign Manchester City winger Savinho and Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke to bolster Roberto De Zerbi's squad early for next season.

Senesi though has got his fingers crossed for yet another positive announcement which will come on Tuesday. That's because there remains a chance that the 29-year-old might get a late World Cup call-up to the Argentina squad after Leonardo Balerdi was injured in training.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni made it clear that he will not announce the replacement until Tuesday and Senesi, according to ESPN's reports in his homeland, has been training three to four days a week since the Premier League season finished with a fitness coach and a kinesiology specialist to maintain "a high level of physical preparation" in case he was called upon at late notice.

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Other reports in Argentina do claim that, despite not being centre-backs, Agustin Giay and Nicolas Capaldo are leading candidates to step into the squad as they have been training with Scaloni's men in the USA ahead of the tournament, while Senesi would need to fly in.

There is a knock-on effect for Tottenham and De Zerbi if Senesi does get a late call-up because he would then arrive at Spurs later this summer if Argentina go far in the World Cup as they look to defend their crown. In that scenario, rather than reporting for the first day of pre-season training with his new club, Senesi would be unlikely to join up at Hotspur Way until closer to when the new season begins.

The new Premier League campaign does at least kick off later this year, from August 22, in order to give more rest time to those playing in that big international competition across the Atlantic this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence was a surprise call up for the England World Cup squad, but has impressed Thomas Tuchel and is playing through the pain for the Three Lions

Djed Spence was the surprise man in England's World Cup squad and will have to wear a mask throughout the tournament - but had no intention of letting a broken jaw deny him his American dream.

Tottenham defender Spence must wear a protective face mask in the United States this summer after a "crazy challenge" from Chelsea striker Liam Delap in the penultimate game of Spurs' Premier League season.

But Spence was determined to end what he admits was a "difficult season" battling a relegation battle on a high, by being part of Thomas Tuchel's squad looking to triumph on the biggest stage this summer.

Asked whether he feared it could cost him a place in the squad, Spence said: “No, not really. It was painful but luckily I play football with my feet and not my jaw so I was all good. I’ve been wearing it in training, getting used to it in the heat and just trying to fit it in properly so I’ve been trying to break it in.

“It’s a little bit uncomfortable. But it is what it is, I’ve got a broken jaw so I have to wear it throughout the tournament so it’s something I will have to get used to.”

Spence suffered the injury after being caught by a swinging arm from Delap when Spurs lost 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. Videos of the incident don't make for pretty viewing and it would be understandable if Spence was still fuming about the outcome.

“Yeah, crazy challenge but it’s in the past now so just got to focus on this tournament now,” he said.

“I’ve got to wear it through the tournament. It’s three months until it’s fully healed. So, it’s a long time.”

Spence had a difficult season in North London. He lost his place at times, lost his form and had setbacks which probably left most people thinking he would not make the cut for Tuchel's 26-man squad.

But Spence - who provided the assist for Harry Kane in England’s win over New Zealand in their first friendly in the United States - says he is grateful for Tuchel’s loyalty.

"It shows the manager believes in me, believes in my quality and I’m thankful for him and I just want to keep on putting in the performances to make everyone happy," says Spence. “It’s a huge honour, to play for your country is a big thing and I’m over the moon and happy to be here.

“Yeah, it’s been a difficult season. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel and we managed to get out of a difficult situation so we have to move forward. Like I said, focus on this World Cup and hopefully it will be a good one.”

Tuchel is a big fan of Spence's ability as a one-on-one defender and believes he is the fastest player in the squad. He also likes his versatiltiy, able to play as a full-back or wing-back on either side. Indeed, while Spence started as a right back, he now considers himself more of a left back.

His switch inside to cross with his right foot from the left wing has become his signature move and was the route for his cross to provide the assist for Kane.

Spence said: “Obviously I’m naturally a right back but I’ve been playing left back for a couple of years now so I’m still learning the position, still trying to get better but versatility is a good strength to have.

“I haven’t played on the right for a long time but it’s still a strong position for me and hopefully I might be out there on the right in this tournament but if not then I’m happy to be there on the left.

“It is my position now on the left so I just have to practice more and there are things to perfect and hopefully produce more assists like that one for the rest of the tournament.

“Everyone knows how good I am one v one, but going forward is a bit different playing on the left because it’s not my natural side going forward. There’s still stuff I can improve on and I’ve got to try and get more numbers in attack.”

After collapsing on a football pitch for the second time, former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Christian Eriksen has offered an update into his condition

Christian Eriksen has said he is "doing well" after collapsing during Denmark's recent friendly against Ukraine. In June 2021, Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated after he collapsed during Denmark's Euro 2020 clash against Finland.

Five years later, he collapsed on the pitch at Nature Energy Park in Odense, Denmark, prompting team-mates and opposition players to form a circle around him as he received treatment. At first, many feared the horrific situation that unfolded at the European Championships was repeating itself.

However, on this occasion, Eriksen was able to walk off the pitch himself. A matter of days after the incident, he has taken to social media to offer an update on his health.

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He said: "I want to let everyone know that I am doing well and that I am home with my family. As you can probably imagine, receiving a shock from my ICD has had a major impact on both me and my family.

"But, I want to reassure everyone that this was a different situation from what happened in 2021. I am feeling good, and my recovery has already started.

"I addition to being grateful for the support and assistance of all the players and the medical team on the field, I am also incredibly grateful to the doctors who have cared for me and my heart over the years.

"Thanks to their expertise, my ICD did exactly what it was designed to do: protect me when I needed it. For now, my focus is on recovering, spending time with my family, going on vacation, and playing football with my children."

When the incident happened, Denmark head coach Brian Riemer was the one to confirm the situation was not as serious as it was five years ago. He said: "Christian Eriksen waved to his teammates as he left the pitch.

"A few minutes before he fell ill, he had had a tussle with Ruslan Malinovskyi and I thought that was why he looked so distressed, but I was wrong. From that moment on, neither I nor the players on the pitch could have carried on with the match.”

When Eriksen had his cardiac arrest during the European Championships, he was an Inter Milan player. However, Serie A's strict rules on players competing with an ICD prevented him from staying there.

He went on to star at Brentford, before securing a move to Manchester United, where he spent three years. In the summer of 2025, left Old Trafford to join Wolfsburg, where he is contracted until the summer of 2027.

It is set to be a very busy summer at Tottenham Hotspur as Roberto De Zerbi looks to build a new squad to push the club forward

When Roberto De Zerbi spoke about how many current Tottenham players were good enough to remain in his squad next season he might not have realised just how big his squad actually is.

The Italian prevented Spurs from suffering relegation and after doing so with a final day win against Everton, the head coach made it clear that only a certain number of those at the north London club were of the required level for what he had planned.

"I don't 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," said De Zerbi in his final press conference of the season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

"First level of players because we suffered too much. I suffered a lot but I think the fans, the club, the board, the players. They suffered too much. We are Tottenham and we can't suffer like this until the last second of the last game to stay up.

"And I will be stronger. I will be stronger. I don't want to decide alone because football is a group - sporting director, scouting, CEO - but my target now is finished to stay up. My target is to start the pre-season with the team I have in my dream."

According to their website, Tottenham currently have a first team squad of 28 players, although Randal Kolo Muani's loan contract ends on June 30 as does Joao Palhinha's. De Zerbi would like to keep the Portuguese but that will involve negotiations between Spurs and Bayern Munich to knock down the fee.

On top of that squad there are also another eight senior players out on loan, according to the club site, which in total makes a 36-player squad.

So that means there has to be a transfer exodus this summer, either through permanent or loan means, as De Zerbi looks to bring in those 'first level' players with Andy Robertson already secured and Marcos Senesi set to follow, while Tottenham are also in talks to try to sign both Jan Paul van Hecke and Savinho from Brighton and Manchester City respectively before making further moves into the market.

So who is likely to head out the door this summer? Let's break it down by each department of the squad.

Goalkeepers

With interest from Serie A clubs in Guglielmo Vicario, after a season in which the 29-year-old's relationship with the Tottenham fans wasn't the greatest, a move back home for the Italy international seems more likely than in previous summers.

Vicario and De Zerbi got on behind the scenes and had the former Empoli goalkeeper been fit enough to play in the final weeks after his hernia surgery then it would have been interesting to see if he had brought him back in between the sticks for Antonin Kinsky, after making it clear that Vicario was his number one.

In the end Kinsky got the job and was superb, cementing his future at the club as a strong option for the new head coach. Brandon Austin, as the club's only senior homegrown player, is likely to continue in his back-up role unless he finally gets a chance to move this summer.

If Vicario does depart then a new goalkeeper will come in to battle with Kinsky for the vacant number one spot.

Potential exits: 1

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Defence

With Robertson arriving, the full-back slots look pretty set with the Scot and Destiny Udogie, who needs to prove his fitness next season, down the left and Pedro Porro and Djed Spence down the right. That's unless a big surprise bid comes in for one of those three Spurs defenders that De Zerbi is happy to accept.

That would leave Souza as a potential loan mover this summer in order for the youngster to get regular football in Europe to continue his adaptation to the non-Brazilian game. An English loan would be perfect but it's more difficult to get such a move for a young player like that which involves regular starts.

There's also the experienced Ben Davies with his contract up this summer, but Tottenham are expected to extend his deal to provide cover for both the left-back and central defensive slots in case more of the injuries that have plagued the north London club in recent seasons arise. The 33-year-old Wales international has also been working on his coaching badges with the club's academy and De Zerbi has often spoken about his character and positive effect on the group.

In central defence, all eyes are on Cristian Romero and whether the Spurs captain departs this summer. The move for Van Hecke appears to further open that door with the number of right-footed centre-backs at the club. Radu Dragusin does wants to play regular football though and a summer move likely beckons for him.

De Zerbi has made it clear how highly he rates Micky van de Ven, and Senesi will provide him with a good battle to keep their levels high on the left of the defence.

The Spurs boss has said Kevin Danso will remain at the club next season and that leaves a decision to be made over Luka Vuskovic and whether he will get enough game time with potentially Van Hecke and Danso there as more senior options and no European football. De Zerbi could always keep the Croatian until the January window in order to work with him and see what plays out.

There's also Kota Takai, who struggled on loan in Germany and looks no closer to playing a competitive match for Tottenham. Another loan move likely beckons for the Japan international.

We're also including Ashley Phillips in this as the centre-back, who turns 21 later this month, is down on the first team squad page on Spurs' website. After another strong loan spell at Stoke, nominated for the Championship Young Player of the Season award, it's time to let him continue his career elsewhere as with the numbers ahead of him, he's clearly not going to get that first competitive appearance in a Tottenham shirt.

Potential exits: 6

Midfield

Palhinha is technically an exit if Spurs don't sort out a deal for him before the end of this month but we're going to work on the proviso that they do.

James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur and Conor Gallagher look unlikely to be heading off this summer and Xavi Simons is out injured until early next year. Yves Bissouma is a likely departee, even if Spurs take the option on his contract in order to get some kind of fee for him.

That leaves the younger trio of Pape Matar Sarr, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall. As this feels like a key area of the park where De Zerbi will want to bring in a player he believes will suit his system perfectly that could mean one of those three departing. Whether it's permanently in Sarr's case, or on loan with the younger duo remains to be see. Much could depend on whether Palhinha does indeed return or not but it would seem unlikely that Tottenham's starting midfield will be exactly the same as last season.

Among the loan players on the first team squad page, Alfie Devine will more than likely depart this summer with a queue of clubs waiting to buy him after a terrific season at Preston and no way through at Spurs.

Potential exits: 3

Attack

Let's start with those who are not going anywhere or simply can't. Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski will return from injury and return to Spurs action, while Wilson Odobert is out until the end of the year.

Kolo Muani will not be at Tottenham next season but De Zerbi is a big fan of Dominic Solanke and has publicly said that on a number of occasions. With a fully fit version of the England international - which did exist before Spurs took hold of him - the Italian will provide a system that gets the ball to him in the box a lot more than he has experienced in recent seasons.

De Zerbi wants another striker this summer and that could mean Richarlison being the one who departs as the Brazilian reaches the final 12 months of his contract. Richarlison played a big role in keeping Spurs in the Premier League with 11 goals and he played 43 games so did manage his injury problems of the past.

However, if it's a shoot-out between keeping Solanke or Richarlison, it feels like the former would get the nod from De Zerbi unless a huge bid comes in for a player with a contract until 2030.

Tottenham pushing to sign Savinho from Manchester City places some doubt over what happens next for Mathys Tel. Much could depend on what De Zerbi decides to do with youngster Mikey Moore and whether the 18-year-old is sent out on loan again.

If he is, then Tel and Savinho would make up the left wing options with Kudus and Kulusevski on the right, with Odobert and Xavi also able to play on the wings when they return mid-season. That's putting a lot of pressure though in the coming months on Kudus and Kulusevski to return from their long-term injuries and another winger move seems likely.

In terms of the loaned out attacker listed on the first team page, Alejo Veliz will join Bahia permanently in the weeks ahead and Dane Scarlett and Yang Ming-hyeok face a major challenge in being involved in the first team beyond this summer. Manor Solomon did play under De Zerbi at Shakhtar a few years ago and the Italian will have to decide whether to keep the versatile Israel international as wing cover early in the season or allow him to leave this summer.

Not included on the first team page, but instead on the U21s page, along with Moore, is Will Lankshear and De Zerbi might make a decision between him and Mason Melia as a homegrown striker to remain around the group. After his 12 goals for struggling Oxford last season in the Championship, Lankshear is likely to catch the eye in pre-season while Melia will be buoyed after making his Republic of Ireland senior debut before he's even played a game for Spurs.