Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur are set for a defining period in their hunt for Premier League safety, with Roberto De Zerbi the man tasked with keeping the side in England’s top-flight.

The Italian has penned a five-year deal with the Lilywhites after taking the reins, even stating he will remain in the role regardless of what division the club find themselves in next term.

However, his previous experience in charge of Brighton and Hove Albion will no doubt hand the supporters the confidence needed in the relegation scrap.

The 46-year-old achieved a 43% win rate during his spell at the AMEX - a record that would certainly be enough to pull the side clear from any looming relegation threat.

However, the fitness of countless senior players will certainly be a concern to the manager in his pursuit of keeping the club in the divison over the next few weeks.

The latest on Spurs’ injury woes under De Zerbi

As seen under various managers throughout the ongoing campaign, Spurs have suffered hugely with injuries - something which has no doubt contributed to the current league standing.

The backline has often been decimated as a result of the fitness issues, with the likes of Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero both spending extended spells on the sidelines.

However, the aforementioned pair have returned to full fitness in recent weeks, with the duo certainly set to play a key role under the Italian’s guidance in the weeks ahead.

Such news will no doubt be a positive for the new boss, with the potential return of forward Mathys Tel also providing the new manager with a boost ahead of his debut game.

The Frenchman suffered an injury during the clash with Nottingham Forest before the international break, even pulling out of the France U21 squad as a result.

However, the youngster was spotted during the manager’s first session this week, which could see the 20-year-old feature against Sunderland next week.

The Spurs star who could be De Zerbi’s own Bale

After his arrival at Spurs, De Zerbi will no doubt need time to establish his best eleven, but he must wish he had a player of Gareth Bale’s calibre to rely upon.

The Welsh international featured a staggering 237 times across two separate spells with the Lilywhites, even managing to find the back of the net on 71 occasions.

He also registered 53 assists during such a period, undoubtedly cementing himself as one of the best players to ever wear the shirt and operate in North London.

His £85m move to join Real Madrid back in the summer of 2013 remains as one of the club’s record sales - undoubtedly yielding great profit given he joined for just £5m.

Given the levels he produced during his time with the club, De Zerbi must wish he could call upon such a talent - especially for the crucial relegation run-in.

However, the Italian could be aided by the return to fitness of winger Mohammed Kudus, with the Ghanaian international a player who’s been greatly missed in recent months.

The 25-year-old has been missing since the start of January with a muscular injury, but he could be set to return in the next few weeks to help secure the club’s top-flight future.

The £55m summer addition was a player in fine form before his injury setback, subsequently registering seven combined goals and assists in the Premier League.

Such a tally remains the second highest in the senior ranks this term, that’s despite the forward missing the last three months of action as a result of his fitness issues.

However, Kudus could well have a huge role to play under De Zerbi during the final seven games this season, especially if he can match his previous heights in North London.

The new boss previously wanted to sign the Ghanaian international during his time at Brighton, with the winger potentially being the manager’s own version of Bale.

Kudus has a very similar skillset to Bale, often featuring off the right-hand side of the attack, whilst wanting to cut inside and fire a shot on goal on his favoured left foot.

His ability to glide past the opposition, too, is similar to that of the Welshman, with his tally of 3.1 successful dribbles per 90 also the highest of any player in the Spurs ranks.

Other tallies, such as his 35% shot on target accuracy rate and 1.4 chances created per 90, only add to the argument of Kudus once again becoming a key player.

Given his long injury layoff, it remains to be seen what impact he will have, but De Zebri will no doubt be hoping that he can emulate his success from earlier this campaign.

Should he replicate such levels, there’s no reason why he can’t match Bale in being a fan-favourite - especially if he helps secure the Lilywhites’ status as a top-flight outfit.

Tottenham Hotspur have bitten the bullet and appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new first-team manager on a long-term contract.

So much has been missing down N17 this season, and while hiring De Zerbi has raised a number of questions, Spurs' executives believe that he is the right coach to guide the struggling squad away from the Premier League relegation zone.

Tottenham haven't actually fallen into the bottom three, but they are perilously close, just one point ahead of a West Ham United side who look sharper and closer than they.

This is kitchen sink time for the north Londoners, who have enough quality to stave off this threat even against the backdrop of so many injuries.

However, improvements are certainly needed, especially in midfield.

The Spurs midfielders who are unsuited to De Zerbi

Tottenham are among the least creative sides in the Premier League. While Thomas Frank sought to model a more pragmatic approach than his erratic predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, it didn't work, and neither did Igor Tudor's short-term appointment.

While Tudor has now been consigned to an obscure future pub quiz question, ENIC Group hope that De Zerbi can lead this club forward over the next several (successful) years.

He has a wealth of Premier League experience with Brighton & Hove Albion, but he will need midfield creators to enforce his tactics, and the current crop don't cut it.

When discussing the Tottenham midfielders' suitability in a De Zerbi-led system, analyst Spencer Mossman said that the "current midfield is going to pair about as well as orange juice and toothpaste."

Tottenham's midfielders are simply too poor on the ball, ineffective when creating. Xavi Simons is a neat playmaker, but he's left too much to be desired this season, and his summer exit wouldn't come as a great surprise. Neither James Maddison or Dejan Kulusevski have kicked a ball this term due to injury.

Who will stay or go is open to debate, though it's clear that a few have some weight to pull if they are to establish themselves.

Why Spurs must drop their "Poch-era Dele Alli"

Tottenham need more mavericks in midfield and attack. The Lilywhite have been uncertain in their ideals throughout the season, and this has sown confusion and stuttered offensive play.

They need someone like Dele Alli, perhaps, a game-changer and difference-maker who scored goals, created them and proved a nuisance for defenders.

It's curious that Conor Gallagher was once considered his potential successor down N17. Gallagher, 26, had been on Tottenham's radar numerous times in recent years before joining from Atletico Madrid in January for a £35m fee.

The former Chelsea player had once been described by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke as looking like a “Poch-era Dele Alli”, his athleticism and potency when surging into the danger area.

In fairness, some of those core qualities have been on show since he joined Tottenham in January - but not many. After a fast start, energetic and combative, he has ebbed away.

Gallagher was canvassed to Spurs fans as an all-action, intense midfielder who would bring energy and dynamism to the middle of the park. The reality couldn't be further from the truth; he has flattered to deceive, struggled to make an impact.

Whereas Dele flaked off from his prodigious standing due to personal problems, and after years of success in Mauricio Pochettino's Spurs set-up, Gallagher is already starting to look like an ill-advised buy having only featured for the club for a few months.

De Zerbi champions fast and fluid football, with an emphasis on retaining possession. If Gallagher holds the key to unlocking that vision, he has not shown this to be the case so far, and as the changes are rung this summer, the England international may be among those to leave.

Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma is unhappy with his treatement under mutliple managers and is set to give up the final year option on his contract in order to leave the Premier League club this summer.

Tottenham facing mass exodus this summer

Tottenham are braced for interest in several first team players this summer regardless of whether they keep their position in the Premier League.

Centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven could both depart, with Spurs eyeing a move for 18 year-old centre-back Karim Coulibaly.

Further forward, Mikey Moore is the subject of interest from Rangers, who would like to make his move permanent after a stunning loan spell at Ibrox.

“It’s tough to see people you care about and some of your mates going through a tough time," Moore said this week.

“It’s a club I care about so much. For us to be in the position we’re in is not nice. Sometimes I wish I could go back and help but there are some top players there who should be able to help get us out of the position we’re in and push on next season.

“There is enough quality in that team to get out of it.”

Bissouma is another surrounded by uncertainty, and the player and club are now set to cancel the extra year option on his contract in order to facilitate a move this summer, Football FanCast sources understand.

The Mali international has a one-year extension option to keep him in North London until the summer of 2027, but is unhappy with his treatement under both Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank, having been dropped from the squad on multiple occasions.

His agent is already in talks with Fenerbahce to join the Turkish giants at the end of the season.

Bissouma wages and controversies

The former Brighton man is near the bottom of Tottenham's wage bill on £55,000-a-week - click for full list.

Signed for £30m in 2022, he was dropped from the squad under Postecoglou after a video surfaced showing him inhaling nitrous oxide - widely known as laughing gas.

Frank later axed the midfielder for repeated lateness and his attitude in training, and again when more footage showed him using laughing gas, this time while sidelined with an ankle injury.

“It’s an internal matter that we are dealing with at the moment and when we have dealt with that, then I will comment on it.” - Thomas Frank

Guglielmo Vicario agrees to leave Spurs this summer

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario also appears to be on his way out this year, having been dropped in dramatic circumstances under Igor Tudor.

The Italian has reportedly agreed a deal to return to his homeland to join Inter, who will shell out around €20m (£17m) for his signature, a healthy fee for Tottenham, having spent a similar figure to bring him in three years ago.

Inter have already sent directors to London to discuss terms and agree a contract with Vicario, with just the club-to-club details left to finalise.

There is set to be a huge race for the signature of German defender Karim Coulibaly this summer, and Tottenham are set to go head to head with Newcastle for his signature, Football FanCast sources understand.

Fabrizio Romano revealed this week that the 18 year-old, who plays for Bundesliga club Werder Bremen, is wanted by a whole host of clubs this summer, with Newcastle the primary English team in the mix.

"Big race started to sign Werder Bremen 18 year-old centre-back Karim Coulibaly in the summer," the reporter shared on X, revealing that Newcastle are one of at least six sides in the mix.

The youngster is open to a move this summer, and Tottenham sources tell us they have also added him to their shortlist for Roberto De Zerbi's first summer transfer window.

The Lilywhites are considering moving for the Germany youth international regardless of whether they stay up or not, believing he is one of the best young defenders Europe, but given he is under contract until 2029 Bremen could demand up to 50 million euros.

Both English clubs will however face competition from Borussia Dortmund, who have a habit of mopping up the best young talent in Germany before selling for massive profit.

Coulibaly and Vuškovic could replace Romero and van de Ven

Coulibaly's biggest strength is his ball-playing ability. A left-footed centre-back, he is known for his calmness on the ball, breaking lines by either carrying or passing the ball forward.

Standing at 6 foot 3, he has drawn comparisons to ex-Liverpool star Joel Matip for his lanky, languid style, albeit there is a belief he will need to improve his physicality to thrive at a top European club.

Spurs believe he could be the perfect balance to Luka Vušković, who at 19 is thriving on loan at Hamburger SV and is known for his brute strength and aerial dominance.

There have been question marks over the future of Vušković if Spurs get relegated, with the club believing it is the perfect chance for him to earn minutes in the first-team but the defender wishing to play at a higher level.

Both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven meanwhile have doubts around their own futures, and a move for Couliably could future-proof their backline in the event of departures this summer.

Tottenham also eyeing new wingers

As well as looking to improve in defence, Spurs want to add new attacking options for De Zerbi in the upcoming transfer window, starting out wide.

West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville have both been watched by Spurs in recent months, but the cheaper option could be Fulham's Harry Wilson.

The Wales international is out of contract at the end of the season, and while Aston Villa are leading the race for his signature, the forward has spoken of his desire to follow in the footsteps of Gareth Bale for his national side, so perhaps he could do the same at club level.

Tottenham have reportedly set their asking price for one player as he green-lights a move away, with an official offer about to be tabled.

Tottenham set for new Roberto De Zerbi era with appointment confirmed

The circumstances surrounding Tottenham's season have been well-documented.

Third manager of the campaign, one point above the relegation zone, an injury list that at one stage stretched to over 13 players simultaneously.

Into that turbulence stepped Roberto De Zerbi, and his first game as head coach — a trip to Sunderland on April 12.

Guglielmo Vicario, who had only recently battled back from ankle surgery sustained in November, underwent a further procedure during the international break — hernia surgery this time — with Spurs confirming the hope is he returns within the month, potentially from mid-to-late April.

Antonin Kinsky, whose nightmare Champions League display against Atlético Madrid made for painful viewing, is expected to deputise against the Black Cats.

For De Zerbi, the immediate concern is survival.

However, it is becoming increasingly clear that Vicario's long-term future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium may not extend much beyond this summer, regardless of how the season concludes.

Inter director Piero Ausilio recently travelled to London for talks over the 29-year-old, as per reports from Italy, and there is a growing belief that Vicario has already green-lit a move to the San Siro.

Tottenham set price for Gugielmo Vicario after Inter green light

According to Italian outlet L'Interista, Inter have a plan — and Vicario is at the absolute heart of it.

Yann Sommer, who has been a reliable presence between the sticks, will not be Inter's number one next season. The Nerazzurri have been searching for his successor for some time, assessing a range of options across Europe.

That search has now reached its conclusion: Vicario is the only goalkeeper Inter have had direct contact with, and he is the only name on their list.

The Italian report states that Vicario himself has already communicated his desire to return home, giving Inter the green light to push ahead with a deal.

He is, in every meaningful sense, on board.

Inter are ready to offer a four-year contract worth €3.2 million net per season — around £2.7m annually — which would represent a significant package and a long-term commitment.

The remaining negotiation is with Spurs.

L'Interista reports that Inter are preparing to table an 'official offer' to Vicario, with Spurs expected to demand around £17m for Vicario — though the precise figure will be shaped by one defining variable: whether Tottenham survive relegation.

If De Zerbi keeps them in the Premier League, the fee sits closer to the top of that range.

If they go down, the price reduces further, and Vicario's desire to leave becomes even more pressing — a goalkeeper of his calibre, with the Italian national team in mind ahead of a summer World Cup, will not be spending next season in the Championship.

For Spurs, selling Vicario fits the reconstruction picture De Zerbi is already building.

"I will be the coach of Tottenham [Hotspur] next season, no matter what".

Fresh from signing a five-year deal in north London, Roberto De Zerbi has reaffirmed the belief that he is in it for the long haul, even despite the looming prospect of Premier League relegation.

There's seven games remaining, seven 'finals' as the cliche goes, with the Italian left to pick up the pieces after a disastrous interim reign under Igor Tudor.

It all gets going away at Sunderland next week, with De Zerbi needing to make sure he doesn't fall into the same trap as the man before him.

The big issues De Zerbi needs to solve at Spurs

First and foremost, the north London side need to see a sense of stability return, particularly in terms of selection, with Tudor guilty of flitting between an array of tactical set-ups during his brief stint at the helm.

Whether De Zerbi - a man who used 49 players across just 69 games in charge at Marseille - is the man to provide that remains to be seen, although back at Brighton and Hove Albion, he did settle on a 4-2-3-1 system, even if the personnel within that routinely changed.

Equally too, the enigmatic coach would at least provide a sense of clarity, despite potential teething problems, regarding the way he wants his side to play, having typically favoured a possession-heavy approach in his previous posts.

In 2022/23, for instance, his Seagulls side finished third in the division with regard to average possession per game.

There was never any sense under Tudor, not Thomas Frank for that matter, of what the actual plan at Spurs was, with the former also particularly guilty of needlessly shuffling his pack, such as dropping Xavi Simons to the bench after his sparkling display at home to Atletico Madrid.

De Zerbi, injuries permitting, needs to build around the likes of Simons and those who can be in it for the long haul, with Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Mathys Tel also falling into that category.

On the flip side, the new boss could also be rather ruthless with those unlikely to be involved beyond the end of this season.

The Werner should be furious that Spurs have hired De Zerbi

Looking back on Tudor's dismal tenure, there weren't exactly too many green shoots, with the only significant positives having been the hard-fought draw away at Anfield, alongside the 3-2 win against Atleti after a sparkling attacking display.

That victory - which proved to be the only one of the Croatian's spell in charge - did also see on-loan Frenchman, Randal Kolo Muani, get on the scoresheet, with the Paris Saint-Germain striker heading home in expert fashion in the first half.

The 27-year-old - who signed under Frank back in the summer - had also broken his Premier League duck in the north London derby defeat prior to that, alongside providing the assist for Richarlison on Merseyside.

Indeed, two of his five total goals for Spurs came in the space of just seven games under Tudor, with the 47-year-old seemingly the man who knows how to get the best out of Kolo Muani, considering their prior relationship at Juventus.

The 2022 World Cup finalist had arrived in north London off the back of that promising loan spell in Turin last season, scoring ten times in just 22 games for the Serie A side, five of which came in 11 games under Tudor.

Frustratingly, however, that form has largely deserted him since then, excluding those brief moments under Tudor, with his tally of just one Premier League goal making for particularly grim reading.

Not the only misfiring figure in a struggling forward line, Kolo Muani joins those before him as yet another wayward, high-profile addition, perhaps in a similar mould to Timo Werner under Ange Postecoglou.

Like the France international, Werner had arrived in north London looking to resurrect his career somewhat after a difficult spell at Chelsea, having returned to RB Leipzig in the summer of 2022.

Once the golden boy at the Bundesliga side prior to moving to Stamford Bridge, the German rocked up at Spurs in January 2024 as a player seemingly starved of confidence, never truly looking like the answer for Postecoglou's side.

While six goals and assists in 13 Premier League games over the next six months did lead to an extension of his loan, Werner proceeded to fade from view in 2024/25, ending his time at the club in May last year with just three goals in 41 games in all competitions.

Kolo Muani is heading into similar territory, it must be said, with the one-time Nantes man likely to be furious that the man who appears to get the best out of him - Tudor - has been sent packing so quickly.

In De Zerbi, he might not find such a well-suited coach, with the likes of Dominic Solanke and Richarlison surely set to be ahead of him in the battle for that solitary striker berth.

There's just over a week to go until Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham Hotspur tenure gets underway away at Sunderland, with the Lilywhites having last won a Premier League game back in December.

Desperate times looked set to call for desperate measures, amid talk of a surprise swoop for free agent, Sean Dyche, although the ENIC regime have put their faith in the maverick De Zerbi instead.

A turbulent tenure at Marseille had come following a largely positive spell for the 46-year-old at Brighton and Hove Albion, having steered the Seagulls to a sixth and 11th place finish in his two seasons at the helm.

A run of five league games without a win at the start of his time at the Amex simply can't be repeated, yet that stint on the south coast showcased why he could be the perfect coach for this youthful crop of Spurs stars.

Why Brighton spell shows De Zerbi can be the perfect Spurs coach

It's not been a positive two years or so at N17, far from it, yet there is something of an exciting, young spine emerging for De Zerbi to work with, in a similar vein to Mauricio Pochettino's previously impressive reign.

At Brighton, the ex-Sassuolo boss nurtured a raft of rising stars and helped propel them to superstardom, with Joao Pedro notably scoring 20 goals in their solitary season working together in 2023/24.

De Zerbi was also the man who oversaw the ascent of fellow striker Evan Ferguson, with the Irishman scoring 15 goals in 60 games in that time, while helping to take a young Moises Caicedo to the next level in 2022/23.

Caicedo had only made eight Premier League appearances before that campaign, after time on loan in Belgium, yet immediately cemented his place as one of the division's primary midfielders under De Zerbi's watch.

The centre-piece of the Seagulls' midfield, the Ecuadorian notably ranked sixth in the league for accurate passes that season, while finishing second for tackles made and for interceptions.

In the eyes of De Zerbi, Caicedo - who made 37 Premier League appearances in total that campaign - was someone who could "play everywhere", flitting in at right-back or even right-sided centre-back on occasion.

Now a £115m star at Chelsea, it was under the Italian that the 25-year-old first truly blossomed, boding well for the impact De Zerbi can make in north London.

Spurs already have De Zerbi's next Caicedo

As noted above, there is a core of youngsters who could fashion a fearsome side at N17 in the years to come, be it Mathys Tel and Xavi Simons in attack, or Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray in midfield.

Amid a season of rife inconsistency at Spurs, it is Gray who has arguably been head and shoulders above the rest, even despite his youth, having even been earmarked as a "future Tottenham captain" by a certain Harry Redknapp.

A bold claim that may be, although the 20-year-old looked particularly commanding in the recent 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, subsequently hailed as a "young Declan Rice" by The Athletic's Duncan Alexander.

Rice, alongside Caicedo, are the two foremost midfielders in the division right now, yet Gray could potentially enjoy a similar rise under De Zerbi's guidance moving forward.

Eyebrows were raised when a figure of around £40m was dished out in 2024 to prise the Englishman from Leeds United, yet that investment now appears something of a coup, having been tipped to be a "future £100m" player by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Like Caicedo, the 20-year-old has that knack for being able to flit between a right-back or central midfield berth, although it is in that latter berth where he seemingly belongs, such is his ability to cover ground in a Rice or Caicedo-style.

That was evident against Atleti prior to the international break, as he pounced on a loose pass to tee up Xavi Simons' second-half stunner.

In the Champions League in general, he averaged 2.1 tackles per game from his seven starts, while boasting a stellar 90% pass accuracy.

A notable, memorable outing in his Leeds days ironically came against Chelsea in the FA Cup in 2024, with journalist Dan Kilpatrick noting at the time that both Caicedo and midfielder partner Enzo Fernandez had been 'outshone' by the lesser-known Gray.

His ceiling is evidently sky high, with Gray the new Caicedo-style figure that De Zerbi needs to build this team around.

Tottenham have joined the race for Fulham and Wales star Harry Wilson, who is set to be out of contract at Craven Cottage this summer and is being chased by a number of Premier League sides.

Roberto De Zerbi responds to Greenwood controversy

New Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has apologised for his past comments on Mason Greenwood and insisted he would never intentionally downplay the issue of violence against women.

Spurs turned to De Zerbi after sacking Igor Tudor, with the Premier League outfit in 17th position and only one point above the bottom three after a disastrous campaign.

However, De Zerbi faced opposition from some fan groups in the days before his appointment due to his remarks as Marseille boss about Greenwood, who faced charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault causing actual bodily harm in 2022 before they were dropped.

“I have never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women or violence against anyone more broadly,” De Zerbi said in his first interview with Tottenham’s in-house media, answering the question in Italian.

“In my life, I have always stood up for those who are more vulnerable, more fragile, I’ve consistently fought and taken a stand to be on the side of those who are most at risk.

“Those of you who know me well will know that I am not the kind of person who makes compromises to win more games or to win an extra title.”

De Zerbi’s immediate focus is Tottenham’s current precarious position in the Premier League and he promised to be in charge next season “no matter what” – even if they are in the Championship.

The Italian said: “It is a difficult moment for everyone at Tottenham, but I think we have the right qualities to come out of this moment.”

Tottenham planning for another Premier League campaign

According to Teamtalk, Spurs are already making transfer plans on the assumption De Zerbi will keep them afloat in the Premier League.

They have identified Fulham star Wilson as a 'key target', joining a race that already includes Everton, Aston Villa, Leeds and Sunderland.

Villa are belived to be leading the charge at the moment, while Liverpool and Manchester United are also keeping one eye on the situation.

Wilson has been a superstar for both club and country this season, having claimed he wants to repeat Gareth Bale's heroics at international level, and now has the chance to follow in the former Spurs man's footsteps at club level as well.

Harry Wilson's style of play

The 29 year-old has scored ten times and provided six assists in the top flight this term, already his best return in terms of direct goal contributions in a Premier League season, with seven games still to play.

Fulham would prefer to retain him, but with time ticking down towards the expiry of his contract in June, the sharks are circling.

Wilson is best known for his wand of a left foot, whether that be crossing from the half spaces, goals from outside the box or taking set pieces.

Harry Wilson's strengths (via WhoScored)

Finishing

Long shots

Taking set pieces

Crossing

Holding on to the ball

Key passes

He loves to cut inside from the right, and is also a counter-attack threat due to his slick dribbling and eye for incisive passes.

Amid what has been a disastrous campaign, one Tottenham Hotspur star has been offered a shock, nine-figure exit route out of North London and has already made his decision.

De Zerbi "delighted" by Tottenham move

It took plenty of convincing, a long-term contract and perhaps even a hefty salary, but Tottenham have finally got their man in Roberto De Zerbi.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion boss is back in the Premier League with an almighty task on his hands, with Spurs sat one point above the dropzone with seven games left to play.

The controversial Italian didn't let that affect his mood upon arrival, however - telling reporters that he's delighted to be at the North London club: "I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world.

"In all my discussions with the club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.

"Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that."

It will be all eyes on the Sunderland game as supporters anticipate just what De Zerbi's first Tottenham lineup will look like, before he has some major decisions to make this summer.

Tottenham star offered big-money exit route

Premier League relegation would, of course, result in an exodus of talent in North London this season, but one player could have left even earlier this season.

According to his agent, Florin Manea, Radu Dragusin was offered a move to Saudi Arabia which could have resulted in a deal worth €100,000,000 over five years.

In a shocking reveal, Manea told the iAM Stucan podcast that Dragusin decided to stay put without even considering it: "You want me to tell you something? We refused €50m over five years for Radu. €10m per year.

"Someone from Saudi Arabia called us and said they would give us €10m net per year to go there. We did not even consider it. €10m per year? Tell me how many would refuse that.

"It could have gone up to €15m, even €20m per year. It could have reached €100m over five years. I would have taken a commission of €20-30m. But we were not interested."

Tottenham have been gifted the chance to sign long time target Alessandro Bastoni, according to a report from TalkSPORT, with the Italy international urged to leave Serie A after costing his team in their World Cup qualifier defeat to Bosnia.

Bastoni sent off as Italy slump out of World Cup

Italy failed to qualify for a third World Cup in a row after Bastoni’s first-half red card proved costly in a dramatic 4-1 penalty shoot-out defeat away to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Azzurri substitutes Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed from 12 yards in Zenica, allowing Esmir Bajraktarevic to convert the hosts’ winning spot-kick following a 1-1 draw after extra-time.

Having failed to reach Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, four-time champions Italy are the first former winners to miss out on three consecutive World Cups.

Gennaro Gattuso’s side were on course to progress when Moise Kean capitalised on an error from Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj to claim a 15th-minute opener. But, following Bastoni’s 41st-minute dismissal for a last-man foul on Amar Memic, substitute Haris Tabakovic levelled in the 79th minute.

Gattuso has since left his role with the national team, while Bosnia will join Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.

According to TalkSPORT, Tottenham's opportunity to finally land a deal for Bastoni may have just fallen right into their laps, provided they escape relegation of course.

The 26-year-old had already come under scrutiny this year for his behaviour in a match between Inter and Juventus, in which he celebrated diving to get Juve's Pierre Kalulu sent off, and was booed by fans in his next match.

Now, ex-Italy and Inter star Giuseppe Bergomi has told the centre-back to leave the country for his own good.

"The mistake was in the pipeline, what has he been through for a month and a half? They've told him everything.

"Now this guy, for his own good, will have to leave Italy and we're losing an extraordinary talent, one of the best defenders in modern football, he too has his strengths and weaknesses.

"I understand he made a mistake, but enough, guys. I'm so sorry, even for Inter, but I think for his own good he'll have to find a place abroad, look what I'm saying."

TalkSPORT name Tottenham among the suitors should a deal materialise, with the Lilywhites known to be long-term admirers of the defender due in part to the influence of former director Fabio Paratici.

Bastoni is largely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the world and is just as comfortable playing in a back three or four, so would be an elite weapon for Roberto De Zerbi to have in his arsenal ahead of his first full campaign as Spurs boss next season.