Football FanCast

Silverware might have remained elusive, but those heady days of Mauricio Pochettino's tenure now look even more glorious amid Tottenham Hotspur's woes since.

The Argentine's side were a joy to watch in their pomp, dispatching teams time and again, spearheaded by a youthful attacking quartet of Harry Kane, Heung-min Son, Christian Eriksen and, of course, Dele Alli.

Dele, signed from MK Dons initially in February 2015, before arriving in north London six months later, was the last of that famed four to join the party, yet his impact was immediate, ending that debut Premier League campaign with 18 goals and assists to his name.

Few teenagers, before or since, have hit such heights in England's top flight. Could new boss Roberto De Zerbi help Tottenham's current crop to enjoy a similar rise?

Why De Zerbi could be Pochettino 2.0 at Spurs

Spurs have tried it all when it comes to managerial appointments, particularly in recent years, ranging from the almost kamikaze style of Ange Postecoglou, to the pragmatism of Thomas Frank and the old-school approach of Igor Tudor.

In De Zerbi, the Lilywhites might well have found someone closer to Pochettino in that regard, a manager intent on playing attacking football, yet with greater control than was seen in Postecoglou's chaotic tenure.

In 2022/23, for instance, the Italian's Brighton and Hove Albion side finished third in the division for average possession per game, with his side building up from the back before pouncing in the final third.

The approach in terms of formation is also notably similar to Pochettino's reign, with De Zerbi typically favouring a 4-2-3-1, deploying something of a natural number nine as the figurehead, much like Kane under the Argentine.

What is also particularly crucial is the trust that the 46-year-old places in youth, again like Pochettino, with his time at the Amex coinciding with the true rise of Moises Caicedo, having also promoted young Jack Hinshelwood across that almost two-season stay.

That prior work with players of potential should bode well for the core of youngsters at Spurs, be it Xavi Simons, Archie Gray or Lucas Bergvall, as well as those who can come into the picture for next season.

De Zerbi could soon unleash Spurs' next Dele

In the case of Dele, Spurs pounced early to land the then-18-year-old on a bargain £5m deal midway through the 2014/15 campaign, with the Englishman only joining Pochettino's ranks that summer.

Having ended that final season in Milton Keynes with 23 goals and assists in 39 League One games, his stock had already soared even after the deal had been agreed, with supporters no doubt having been eagerly watching his progress, waiting to see him in action in north London.

There does appear a similar feel to Luka Vuskovic's story so far, with the teenage Croatian already being tipped for superstardom at Spurs, like Dele before him, despite having not actually made a competitive appearance for the club to date.

The wait, that being said, has been even longer in the centre-back's case, with the £12m deal to land the then-Hajduk Split man having been confirmed as far back as September 2023, ahead of a planned 2025 switch.

Vuskovic subsequently spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan from Split at Belgian side Westerlo, scoring seven league goals from his defensive berth, while taking another step up after signing for Hamburg, this time from Spurs, over the summer.

To say that latest temporary move has been a success would be an understatement, with the 19-year-old earning rave reviews in the Bundesliga, again proving such an asset in both boxes with five goals in 25 Bundesliga games thus far.

The defensive giant has notably won 75% of his aerial duels per game, alongside winning 69% of his total duels, while back in north London, Micky van de Ven has averaged just 45% and 53% for those same two metrics, respectively.

Such form is already sparking rumours that he could be sold on before even kicking a ball at Tottenham, amid talk of a £60m asking price, yet in Vuskovic's own words, he appears keen to return to his parent club this summer.

“In football, you never know,” Vuskovic said, as quoted by the Evening Standard. “It could happen next year, or in ten years. I don’t want to promise anyone anything.

“After this season, I’ll be a Tottenham player again. I have a contract there until 2030.”

Like Dele before him, the teenager could well be an instant hit at N17 under De Zerbi's watch, not least with Van de Ven and Cristian Romero both toiling this season.

There has, and understandably so, been a fair amount of concern and controversy regarding Roberto De Zerbi's appointment at Tottenham Hotspur, not least the fact that the Italian failed to win any of his first five Premier League games in charge at Brighton and Hove Albion.

A repeat of that slow start would be catastrophic considering Spurs' current relegation plight, yet looking to the positives, the 46-year-old could represent the perfect coach to nurture the club's exciting crop of youngsters.

Back at Brighton, for instance, De Zerbi was at the helm for Moises Caicedo's first full season of Premier League football in 2022/23, having also helped oversee the rise of one-time wonderkid, Evan Ferguson, with the Irishman scoring 15 times in 60 games under his watch.

As Seagulls youth coach Shannon Ruth said at the time, "[De Zerbi] is keen to promote from within, with age no barrier for him". That should be music to the ears of those in north London.

The Spurs academy stars who could flourish under De Zerbi

Looking to next season, there will be a crop of academy products returning to N17 following fruitful loan spells, with De Zerbi likely to take a look at those rising stars this summer.

It was reported on Tuesday that promising striker, Will Lankshear, is likely to be retained after scoring nine times in the Championship this season, albeit with that inclusion set to hinge on whether or not Spurs beat the drop.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, the next Harry Kane in waiting, Mikey Moore, has already spoken of his desire to return to the club at the end of his fruitful spell at Rangers, having scored six Premiership goals as part of the Glasgow side's promotion push.

As for those currently in north London, hopes are high for the teenage striker duo of James Wilson and Mason Melia, the pair having arrived from Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, respectively, in January.

Those two forwards are waiting for their chance at senior level, although minutes have been afforded to the likes of James Rowswell and Jun'ai Byfield in recent weeks, as well as midfield sensation, Callum Olusesi.

Considering the raft of injuries facing De Zerbi, as well as the likes of Igor Tudor, Thomas Frank and Ange Postecoglou before him, the youth ranks could well be the solution, not least with the senior figures struggling to perform as of late.

One key area that the Italian maverick might look to address is on the left flank, with Heung-min Son's sizeable void yet to be filled.

Spurs could replace Tel with "one of England's best talents"

With Brennan Johnson sold, Wilson Odobert sidelined with an ACL injury, and Mohammed Kudus only just inching his way back to fitness, a continued issue has been the lack of depth on the flanks.

That has seen 20-year-old Mathys Tel deployed as a left-winger of late, although the Frenchman hasn't exactly flourished, despite putting in a positive display in the 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Tel got the assist for compatriot Randal Kolo Muani's opener that day, yet in all competitions this season in total, he has just four goal involvements to his name, hardly impressive reading from 31 outings.

If De Zerbi is to look for a suitable replacement for the ex-Bayern Munich man, both in the short-term and the long-term, then he could well hand a permanent promotion to highly-rated academy starlet, Luca Willams-Barnett, the 17-year-old restricted to just one senior outing so far this season.

That limited involvement has been impacted by the teenager's own recent injury woes, yet there is a sense that he should well have been utilised even prior to that, having been hailed as "one of England's best talents at youth level" by analyst and Como scout Ben Mattinson.

Tipped to be Spurs' answer to Arsenal superstar, Max Dowman - in the view of Mattinson - Williams-Barnett has ripped it up at academy level over recent years, operating primarily as a number ten or off the flanks too.

In just 32 games for the U18 side, as per Transfermarkt, the Luton-born speedster has racked up 37 goals and assists thus far, while his 11 games at U21 level have resulted in 13 goal involvements.

That includes 11 goals and assists in just ten games in this season's Premier League 2, further indicating why a step up could now be needed, be it this season or into 2026/27.

Perhaps Spurs might well prefer a loan move, in the mould of Moore, yet considering De Zerbi's prior work with youngsters, it should offer hope to Williams-Barnett making an immediate impact at first-team level.

Tel, while perhaps a natural centre-forward by trade, just isn't quite cutting it on that left side, ensuring the role is there to be taken by Williams-Barnett, after he debuted in that berth against Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.

After the success of Kane and co during Mauricio Pochettino's tenure, De Zerbi must again make the academy set-up a focal part of Spurs moving forward.

Tottenham have been given a boost in their chase for a Man City player, with the star keen to join regardless of whether they're relegated.

De Zerbi set for Tottenham debut against Sunderland

Roberto De Zerbi takes charge of Tottenham for the first time on Sunday when Spurs make the trip to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland.

The Italian signed a five-year deal last month and is walking into a side that have gone without a Premier League win all calendar year, picking up five draws and eight defeats in that run.

Spurs sit 17th in the table, one point above the drop zone, with only six games remaining after this weekend.

The north Londoners could find themselves in the relegation places at kick-off, depending on Friday's result between West Ham and Wolves.

De Zerbi has spoken publicly about taking the situation game by game and has already made a strong early impression, with players returning from his first training session with glowing feedback, describing the work as "outstanding".

Whatever the outcome in the North East, planning for the summer is already underway.

De Zerbi has committed to the club regardless of which division they find themselves in next season, and the hierarchy are moving quickly to back him in the market.

One of his potential targets is City's James Trafford, with the goalkeeper desperate for more playing time after being given a supporting role behind Gianluigi Donnarumma this season.

James Trafford keen to join Tottenham regardless of relegation

According to TEAMtalk today, one of the first areas being addressed at Spurs this summer is the goalkeeping position.

Tottenham are also pushing to sign Trafford, with the 23-year-old identified as a key target as De Zerbi sets about his squad rebuild.

Trafford came through the City academy system before moving to Burnley and was subsequently re-signed by the club, but with Donnarumma established as City's undisputed number one, Trafford's opportunities at the Etihad have been limited.

The Englishman wants regular first-team football at the highest level, and Tottenham are willing to offer him that platform.

Guglielmo Vicario has struggled for consistency in goal for Spurs this season, and the ex-Empoli star is believed to be in pole position to join Inter Milan as their new number one for next season.

What makes this story particularly notable is the level of Trafford's commitment to the move.

TEAMtalk say that Trafford would be prepared to join Tottenham even if they are relegated — a stance that reflects both his confidence in De Zerbi's project and his desire for a guaranteed starting role over the coming years.

That willingness to drop a division is not something a player of his profile commits to lightly, and it gives the deal a realistic chance of happening whichever way the next six weeks go.

De Zerbi is described as a genuine admirer of Trafford, and the move fits with the club's stated strategy of investing in young British talent as they look to build for the long term.

Fabrizio Romano has shared an update contrary to recent reports on the future of Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

Roberto De Zerbi has finalised his coaching staff this week, and his next task wiill be assessing the squad ahead of a busy summer transfer window.

The Italian has been allowed to bring two members of staff with him to North London, with Marcattilio Marcattilii and Marcello Quinto joining as fitness coach and senior professional development phase coach respectively.

Marcattilii has spent a number of years with De Zerbi, first working with him at Italian outfit Foggia in 2015. Meanwhile, Quinto reunites with De Zerbi at Tottenham after they were together at Brighton and Marseille.

Spurs have confirmed assistant Bruno Saltor, who joined last month after the arrival of Igor Tudor, will remain alongside Andreas Georgson, Cameron Campbell and Fabian Otte, who all joined in the summer.

Dean Brill and Stuart Lewis, who have previously supported the first-team this season after spells in Tottenham’s youth coaching set-up, will continue in those roles.

De Zerbi and his staff have just seven Premier League games not only to save the club from relegation, but to decide who they want to stick around for next season.

Vicario has been strongly linked with an exit for months, with the rumours intensifying after he was dropped and then recalled in dramatic circumstances by Igor Tudor.

The 29 year-old, who joined Tottenham three years ago for aroud £17m, had reportedly agreed personal terms to join Inter, with just a fee between the clubs left to be decided.

Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, has shared different information however, revealing that while conversations have been positive, nothing is agreed.

He says Vicario is likely to leave, but is just one of several targets on Inter's shortlist, meaning reports of contract agreements were a step too far.

"I can tell you that talks already took place between Vicario's camp and Inter, very positive conversations, Vicario is opening doors.

"Inter are working on this deal, it's not done, it's not done, it's not decided, there is still nothing agreed club to club.

"With the player's camp, the conversations have been positive, Inter director Piero Ausilio has been in London a few weeks ago to open a conversation, and there is a very good relationship with his camp."

Vicario wages and transfer fee

Rumours have suggested Inter would have to pay a similar fee to the one that brought Vicario to London in the first place (€20m/£17m), so if De Zerbi doesn't fancy the goalkeeper it may make sense for Tottenham to cash in while they have the chance, with his contract set to expire in 2028.

The goalkeeper is not one of Tottenham's highest earners, but he would still clear a healthy £75,000-a-week off the books (click for full list), and perhaps open the door for an opportunity for Antonín Kinský.

De Zerbi prefers goalkeepers who are comfortable passing out from the back with both feet, which is a strength of the Czech goalkeeper, albeit he will have to overcome his demons following his Champions League heartbreak under Tudor.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi will cast his eye on a Spurs youngster and could hand him a shot at first-team action, but only on one crucial condition.

Spurs set for Sunderland as De Zerbi debut awaits

De Zerbi takes charge of his first ever Spurs fixture on Sunday, when Spurs travel to Sunderland's Stadium of Light for a 2pm kick-off.

The Italian signed a lucrative five-year deal at the end of March, ending the brief and unsuccessful tenure of Igor Tudor, who managed just one point from seven matches before departing by mutual consent after 44 days in charge.

Spurs have not won a league match in 2026, picking up five draws and eight defeats in that stretch.

They currently sit 17th in the table, one point above the relegation zone, and the Sunderland trip represents De Zerbi's first opportunity to start collecting the points his new club desperately needs.

Players returned from the Italian's opening training session at Hotspur Way with glowing feedback, according to Alasdair Gold, with one senior squad member reportedly describing the work as "outstanding".

Whether that energy translates into a result in the North East remains to be seen.

De Zerbi has been clear on where his focus lies, telling the club's media channel that he does not want to hear about any fixture beyond Sunderland — the approach is game by game.

The wider picture at Tottenham is complicated by injuries.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is sidelined with hernia surgery, compiling Spurs' miserable player fitness luck from the last two campaigns.

Off the pitch, there is another situation developing quietly in the background, one that carries more significance depending on how the next seven games unfold.

Will Lankshear set for Tottenham chance under De Zerbi on one condition

According to SportsBoom, Tottenham are set to retain striker Will Lankshear within the club's setup next season if they're relegated — scrapping what would otherwise be another loan move.

The 20-year-old has spent the current campaign at Oxford United and has performed well for Matt Bloomfield's side despite their difficult season, chipping in with 10 goals in all competitions.

Those numbers have persuaded Spurs' coaching staff that the forward deserves the chance to prove himself at senior level should the club drop down.

As such, Lankshear will be given a 'chance to impress' De Zerbi at Tottenham next season, but only if their relegation is confirmed.

If De Zerbi keeps Spurs up, the plan changes.

Lankshear would be loaned out again, with a move to one of the newly promoted sides the most likely destination — giving him top-flight exposure while he continues to develop.

Born in Hertfordshire, he began his career at Arsenal before joining Sheffield United, where then-manager Paul Heckingbottom described him as having a natural "gift" for goalscoring.

Spurs, who beat Brentford to his signature, paid around £2million to bring him to north London in 2022. He has since had a stint at West Brom, alongside his current spell at Oxford, and has been capped by England at under-19 and under-20 level.

Three of his six senior appearances for Tottenham have come in Europe.

It's getting a little desperate at Tottenham Hotspur, with even Roberto De Zerbi's newly signed five-year deal unable to shake the fact that for all the talk of long-term plans, the Lilywhites have just seven games left to save their season.

Languishing just a point above the Premier League drop zone, there are certainly echoes of the club's dismal 1997/98 campaign, which so nearly ended in relegation.

David Ginola was the marquee, Mohammed Kudus-style signing of that summer. Darren Anderton and Les Ferdinand, the notable injury absentees for the majority of the campaign, very much in the mould of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

A stellar squad on paper ultimately survived by a whisker that time around, with a similarly expensively assembled group again in danger of what would be an unthinkable drop into the second tier.

That 1997/98 season did boast a certain Jurgen Klinsmann to bail them out of trouble, but who will be De Zerbi's saviour in the present day?

When Klinsmann saved Spurs from relegation

In an era when foreign imports were few and far between, that man Klinsmann was one of the Premier League's first true foreign superstars, hitting 29 goals in all competitions during the 1994/95 campaign, 20 of which came in the top-flight.

The talismanic German swiftly assumed hero status in north London, although following a dispute with then-owner Alan Sugar, his bags were packed that summer, returning to his homeland to join Bayern Munich.

That looked to be the end of the story as far as his Spurs relationship was concerned, although desperate times called for desperate measures just over two years later, with Sugar putting past grievances behind him to bring Klinsmann back into the fold on a short-term deal in December 1997.

To say the striker's impact upon his return was immediate wouldn't be quite correct, however, with the on-loan Sampdoria man netting just three goals heading into the final three league games of the campaign.

With relegation rivals Bolton Wanderers having won that same day, a victory was essential, as the Lilywhites ultimately went on to finish 14th, and four points from safety.

De Zerbi and co are facing similar knife-edge circumstances heading into this weekend's trip to Sunderland, with a new Klinsmann-esque figure needing to emerge.

Spurs' new Klinsmann could be De Zerbi's saviour

Oh how a return for say Harry Kane would go down nicely at N17, but alas, De Zerbi will have to look internally to find his goalscoring solution, as the season approaches his final stretch.

With Randal Kolo Muani scoring just one league goal all season, and Richarlison netting just 25 times across his four top-flight campaigns at Spurs, it might well fall to Dominic Solanke to be this team's saviour.

Now, the Englishman has himself been a real disappointment since his club-record switch from Bournemouth in 2024, with injury restricting him to 62 appearances since then, only 17 of which have come this season.

That being said, even amid that limited involvement, the 28-year-old has still scored six times from just 939 minutes of action in 2025/26, memorably scoring twice in his side's comeback draw with Manchester City under Thomas Frank.

His scorpion kick that day was an indicator of the type of quality that Solanke can possess when fit and firing, highlighting why Teddy Sheringham previously likened his signing to that of Klinsmann's addition of the past.

“The signing of Solanke is a bit like when the club signed Jurgen Klinsmann to replace me. It was a big one, and I hope that it gives everyone a massive lift at the football club."

A succession of managers have not seen that finishing prowess consistently enough over the last two years or so, but with it all coming down to just a seven-game run, De Zerbi will no doubt be pinning hopes on the former Cherries man.

Indeed, this is a player who has at least proven himself at Premier League level after netting 19 goals in his final campaign on the south coast.

He very much fits the mould of the Joao Pedro-style striker that De Zerbi has worked with previously, acting as a real physical focal point, but also with the mobility and ability to drop deep and influence play.

Solanke might not quite be Kane, but with eight assists in a Spurs shirt to date, he can be that link man through the middle, the attacking spearhead of the Italian's favoured 4-2-3-1 formation.

Of course, he hasn't shown as yet that he can be relied upon across a full season, but across seven games, the ex-Chelsea and Liverpool man could be the difference-maker.

Spurs need a hero, need a Klinsmann to beat the drop. Can Solanke be the man?

Between 2024/15 and 2022/23, there were only three seasons in which Harry Kane didn't hit the 20-goal mark in the Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur, having never dipped below 17 goals amid that prolific run of consistency.

For comparison, while Heung-min Son did hit 17 goals himself in 2023/24, the club's top scorer in the league last term was Brennan Johnson with just 11 goals.

Richarlison leads the way this time around, meanwhile, on only nine.

It's fair to say that the Lilywhites haven't got close to replacing the England skipper since his exit for Bayern Munich, with 2025 arrival, Randal Kolo Muani, enduring a particularly dismal time of things in north London.

Why Kolo Muani is Spurs' worst signing of the season

It's not been a positive campaign at N17, far from it, with the ENIC regime again likely to look back at their summer investment as reason for concern.

Indeed, Xavi Simons - the two-goal star in the recent win over Atletico Madrid - has been frustratingly inconsistent, while Mohammed Kudus has seen his bright start halted by injury.

It is Kolo Muani, however, who has perhaps been the biggest disappointment, even while only signed on loan, with the Paris Saint-Germain striker scoring just a solitary Premier League goal all season.

Whether it is operating through the middle or off the flanks, the Frenchman has been desperately ineffective, with his only truly bright spell coming amid Igor Tudor's arrival, having scored two of his five goals for the club during the Croatian's seven-game tenure.

From 15 Premier League starts, the 27-year-old boasts just one assist to go with his solitary goal, averaging just 0.7 key passes and 0.7 successful dribbles per game, alongside an average of just 19.6 touches per game.

For a player who cost PSG roughly £74m back in 2023, and one who played in a World Cup final as recently 2022, that is a desperately poor record, ensuring he should well be considered the club's worst signing of the summer and the season at N17.

There can certainly be no consideration over a permanent deal this summer, not least with new boss Roberto De Zerbi likely to be presented with a perfect, in-house replacement.

Spurs' new Harry Kane could end Kolo Muani's stay

For all the fixation on signings, there's nothing better than 'one of your own' doing the business at first-team level, with the aforementioned Kane shaking off mixed loan spells to emerge as the undisputed talisman in north London.

There will be hope that young Mikey Moore can enjoy something of a similar trajectory in the years to come, with this summer likely to prove a perfect time for De Zerbi to bring him into the fold.

Rather than even contemplate forking out to keep Kolo Muani on board permanently, the Italian could strengthen his attack with a homegrown solution, with Moore looking so lively on loan at Rangers.

Typically deployed off the left, but also comfortably operating as something of a second striker, the 18-year-old has been a driving force behind the Ibrox side's title bid, scoring six Premiership goals since Danny Rohl took charge in December.

That doesn't tell the full story, however, with the teenager - even his despite youth - something of a talismanic figure under the Rohl regime, starting each of the last eight league games, scoring or assisting four times in that recent run.

Even when not laying on an end product, Moore has been a delight to watch, putting in a memorably sparkling performance in the Old Firm last month, terrorising opposition right-back Julian Araujo in the first half.

Despite the Gers harbouring hopes of keeping him around for next season and beyond, the youngster has himself admitted that he hopes to force his way into the first-team picture again this summer, having played a fleeting role in last term's Europa League triumph.

He looks well on the way to becoming Spurs' biggest academy success story since Kane, and with De Zerbi now at the helm, Moore would find a manager more than willing to nurture and develop young talent.

With the left flank having yet to be truly filled amid Son's departure, neither by Mathys Tel nor by Kolo Muani, the £25m-rated starlet could well be Spurs and De Zerbi's in-house solution.

"I just want to go back to Tottenham and hopefully get myself a place in the team," he said, as per BBC Sport.

"Obviously we have got that experience of winning that trophy in the Europa League and that's what I want to do at Tottenham. I just want to bring them special moments to the fans really."

Supporters would likely much rather see youth given a chance, than invest in more wayward, high-profile additions like that of Kolo Muani.

Tottenham Hotspur are continuing to identify targets for the summer transfer window, despite the fact their Premier League status is in doubt, and River Plate star Ian Subiabre is among them.

First and foremost, Roberto De Zerbi must keep Tottenham in the top flight, and Jamie O'Hara believes the Italian will need to stick to a formation, start getting the best out of Xavi Simons, and get the senior leadership group on side, if he is going to turn around his new side's fortunes.

Although tipping the reigning Europa League winners to go down would've raised a few eyebrows at the start of the campaign, they are now just one point above the relegation zone, with just seven games left to play, and a trip to the Stadium of Light is up first for De Zerbi.

Having performed so poorly throughout the campaign, it would be no surprise if Spurs set out to make serious changes to their squad in the summer, regardless of whether they stay up, and a forward has now emerged as a target.

Spurs in the picture to sign River Plate star Ian Subiabre

According to a report from El Intransigente (via Sport Witness), Tottenham are in the picture to sign Subiabre from River Plate, which has set off alarm bells at the Argentinian club.

Indeed, River Plate are panicking, with the Lilywhites making an approach to sign the 19-year-old, whose agents are hoping to sell him for just €15m (£13m), which is £74m less than the €100m (£87m) release clause included in his contract.

It is unclear whether the teenager would be willing to make an immediate impact in the Premier League, as he is yet to prove himself outside Argentina, but the youngster is starting to make a name for himself in his home country, picking up one goal and two assists in the 2026 Torneo Apertura.

De Zerbi eyeing new signings in several key positions

Subiabre may be one for the future, but De Zerbi is also looking to bring in players capable of making an immediate impact, with the ex-Brighton manager now driving a move for Fiorentina striker Moise Kean.

Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr is in talks to join Turkish side Fenerbahce this summer, according to reports.

Sarr was injured during the international break, joining a growing list on the treatment table in North London.

The Senegal star was withdrawn from their friendly against Gambia with a shoulder injury sustained in training, and is facing a couple of the weeks on the sidelines.

Fenerbahce open talks to sign Sarr this summer

According to reports in Turkey, via Sport Witness, the 23 year-old could now be a shock candidate to leave the club this summer.

They say Fenerbahce have entered 'negotiations' to sign the former Metz starlet, although it is not clear whether that is with Tottenham or his agents.

Their report reveals his representation has recently changed, with a rumoured move to Unique Sports Group, who handle a number of high value clients such as Marc Guehi and Anthony Gordon, opening the door to a summer exit.

Galatasaray are also interested, although to this point it appears only their title rivals have actually opened talks over a move.

It would certainly be a shock to see Spurs sell the youngster if they remain in the Premier League, as he is yet to enter his prime years and is under contract until the summer of 2030.

Five players who could thrive under De Zerbi at Spurs

Antonin Kinsky

After a nightmare night against Atletico Madrid on March 10, Antonin Kinsky may have expected to stay on the sidelines until next season, but after Guglielmo Vicario required minor hernia surgery, Kinsky is in line to at least start De Zerbi’s maiden match in charge.

Czech stopper Kinsky is the type of goalkeeper that De Zerbi usually favours given his ability on both feet, but the 23-year-old produced two costly errors with miscued passes in the Champions League last month. If Kinsky can face and conquer his demons at the Stadium of Light, he could keep his position for the next couple of months.

Cristian Romero

Spurs captain Cristian Romero has cut a frustrated figure for most of this campaign, serving three separate suspensions and firing almost as many cryptic posts on his Instagram page, but De Zerbi could get the Argentina defender back to his best.

Romero’s most consistent run at Tottenham occurred under attack-minded Ange Postecoglou when the club had a focus and goal to target.

Given De Zerbi’s preference for front-footed football, it should hit the right notes with the divisive centre-back. While Romero splits opinion, his ball-playing skills have always been of the highest level and he could be the perfect option to deliver De Zerbi’s famed baiting of the press.

Archie Gray

One of the shining lights of Spurs’ sorry campaign has been Archie Gray, but how will the youngster fit in under De Zerbi?

De Zerbi should love Gray’s ultra-high energy levels and personality given he has been among a handful to step up and show responsibility during a disastrous spell. Another stand-out quality of the ex-Leeds academy graduate is his maturity and strong out-of-possession work.

Recent weeks have shown a different side to Gray with more of his passing range on show. Given De Zerbi helped develop Moises Caicedo at Brighton, he will hope to have another potential world-class midfielder in his ranks.

Xavi Simons

Xavi Simons may end up the biggest winner given the £52million playmaker never seemed to fit under Thomas Frank, who preferred to bypass the midfield and central areas.

It often meant the Dutch international was isolated unless he took the initiative, which occurred in matches with Atletico Madrid and Manchester City but was a tough ask for a player new to the Premier League.

Simons has thrived when he has had team-mates to combine with and space. With De Zerbi keen to keep the ball and pull opposition from side to side to create openings, Simons should flourish with either the freedom to drop deep or by being in the final third with actual options to pick out.

Mathys Tel

Mathys Tel could have left Tottenham on loan in January, but instead stuck around despite limited chances under Frank and is now one of the club’s key figures in the fight to stay up.

Even though Tel views himself as a centre forward, he has finally got a regular run in the team as a left winger and could be De Zerbi’s Kaoru Mitoma at Spurs.

Mitoma blossomed into one of the best attackers in the Premier League under De Zerbi and given Tel is also right-footed but plays on the left and loves to cut inside to shoot or dribble past opponents, he may relish life under the new boss.

Tottenham are set to be boosted by an early return from injury for midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, while James Maddison is also racing to be fit before the end of the season.

Tottenham injury list easing ahead of domestic return

Roberto De Zerbi is sweating on a number of first-team players ahead of his first test in charge of Tottenham.

The trip to the Stadium of Light will come too soon for Mohammed Kudus, who suffered a serious muscle injury in January.

"So we have this big three weeks after the game on Sunday. He will probably do some part of the things with the squad maybe 10 days (after the break)," Igor Tudor said before his departure.

"I don’t know I’m not sure. We need to check but he is progressing very well. Already a little bit with the ball."

Both Kudus and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario could return next week for the home fixture against Brighton, while Mathys Tel should be able to feature at Sunderland.

Tudor also provided a positive update on James Maddison, with the England international sharing videos on social media working outside with a ball and expected to play some part in the run-in.

There's more good news on Bentancur, who required surgery on a hamstring problem and missed Tudor's entire reign.

Bentancur at least two weeks ahead of schedule

According to Football.London, Bentancur 'has already returned to working on the grass' and taken part in some training sessions.

The Uruguay international is 'around 15 days' beyond his original timeline, claims his personal fitness coach, and hopes to play some minutes before the end of April.

This is a huge boost for De Zerbi, with Alasdair Gold recently claiming the new manager will love the tough-tackling midfielder.

"I've got a funny feeling that he's gonna like Rodrigo Bentancur as well.

"And I know again he's a player that's not everyone's cup of tea, but I think in terms of tactical and possession based football, yes he can be a little bit iffy with his passing sometimes, but actually, as someone that was used to being in the hub of that Juventus team, the three-time Serie A title winners, I think he could fit in quite well." - Click for full story

Bentancur currently earns £75,000-a-week in North London, having signed a long-term deal with the club back in October.

The 28 year-old featured regularly in the Premier League this season before his injury.

De Zerbi has typically deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation at Marseille and Brighton, a system which would lend itself to partnering Bentancur with a more technical midfielder in the deep-lying roles.