Football FanCast

If Tottenham Hotspur supporters are looking for a reason to be optimistic regarding the appointment of new boss Roberto De Zerbi, then the Italian's prior work with high-profile players might well be that.

It was De Zerbi who oversaw Moises Caicedo's first full season in the Premier League, after replacing Graham Potter in September 2022, with that debut campaign at Brighton and Hove Albion also seeing the enigmatic coach strike up a bond with Caicedo's midfield colleague, Alexis Mac Allister.

The 46-year-old might not have brought the Argentine to the Amex, but he was certainly central to the World Cup winner sealing a marquee move to Liverpool in 2023, with Mac Allister hailing De Zerbi as the "best manager I've ever had".

For a man who has worked under Jurgen Klopp and won the league with Arne Slot at Anfield, that is some statement, with Spurs now handed the chance to gift De Zerbi his next midfield project.

Spurs could see bid accepted to sign £25m midfielder for De Zerbi

The short-term priority is survival, although the Lilywhites will also need to plan ahead when it comes to potential summer signings, amid the need for something of a squad overhaul at N17.

Reports this week would suggest that the ball is already rolling in that regard, with Manchester City's James Trafford open to moving to north London, regardless of whether or not the club are in the Championship next season.

Not every reported target will be quite so keen to sample life in England's second tier, however, with SportsBoom revealing that Spurs are set to pursue a move for Belgian midfielder, Arthur Vermeeren, should they beat the drop come May.

The reports suggests that the 21-year-old - who is on loan at Marseille from RB Leipzig - is on Tottenham's list of summer targets, having flourished under De Zerbi at the Stade Velodrome.

His loan stint in France is soon set to come to an end, and De Zerbi is pushing for a reunion, with the feeling said to be 'mutual' as far as Vermeeren is concerned, as the youngster is open to making that switch.

In terms of a price tag, the piece outlines that Leipzig would be willing to cash in for a 'modest' sum of just £25m.

Why Vermeeren could be De Zerbi's new Mac Allister

After first coming to wider attention in his homeland at Royal Antwerp, it's been a turbulent two years or so for Vermeeren since then, having initially joined Atletico Madrid back in January 2024.

Just six months later, the playmaker was on his way to Germany on a loan deal with an option to buy, with the Bundesliga side exercising that option last January.

Again, however, that stay proved rather brief, with De Zerbi and co bringing him to France over the summer, the 11-cap Belgium starlet since making 20 appearances in all competitions this season.

Moving to a fourth club in just two years wouldn't be the best representation of his talent, although Vermeeren did enjoy a promising run under De Zerbi, with two assists in 17 games under the Italian from his deep-lying berth.

Much like Mac Allister, he is comfortable operating in a variety of midfield roles, while there is a creative, goalscoring streak to his game that is waiting to truly be unleashed, having racked up 11 goals and assists in his 66 games back at Antwerp.

De Zerbi, if given time to work with the £25m man over a longer period, could recreate the success he enjoyed with Mac Allister, with the 27-year-old's best scoring season of his career having come in 2022/23, as he netted ten Premier League goals in his final campaign on the south coast.

That year saw the South American add to his 12 goal involvements with an average of 1.3 key passes per game, a pass accuracy rate of 87% and an average of 2.6 tackles and interceptions won per game.

For comparison, in Vermeeren's last year in the Belgian Pro League, he may have only provided two assists, but he also averaged 1.3 key passes, an 87% pass accuracy rate and won 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game.

Tottenham have been handed some good news in regard to one player's imminent return, with Roberto De Zerbi sharing a pre-Sunderland update.

Spurs team news ahead of Sunderland

De Zerbi held his first press conference as Tottenham head coach today ahead of Sunday's trip to Sunderland, and the team news was familiar in its bleakness.

The injury list that has defined Spurs' season is no shorter now than when he walked through the door, and De Zerbi himself acknowledged the scale of what he has inherited, admitting he had "not big luck" from the moment he arrived.

Ben Davies, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odobert all remain long-term absentees with barely any prospect of featuring before the end of the campaign, but there has been hope of a cameo for James Maddison before the final whistle of 2025/2026.

Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma and Mohammed Kudus are also unavailable, with the latter now facing the prospect of surgery after a setback in his recovery — meaning the rest of the Ghanaian's campaign and even World Cup hopes are now in serious doubt.

De Zerbi had earmarked Kudus as a key figure in his plans before news of the potential operation broke.

"Kudus was in my head a crucial player, especially for the position," he said.

"But we have to look forward."

Meanwhile, the likes of Pape Matar Sarr and Mathys Tel carry knocks from the international break and are not certain to feature, but there is some hope Tel can play.

De Zerbi also confirmed that Rodrigo Bentancur has been on the training pitch but is not yet at full capacity.

In goal on Sunday, Antonin Kinsky will start in place of the absent Guglielmo Vicario.

The Czech goalkeeper steps in for the first time since his difficult Champions League appearance against Atlético Madrid, a night that ended with him being substituted after just 17 minutes.

De Zerbi will be tasked with restoring his confidence.

There was, however, one piece of more encouraging news from the press conference: Vicario could be back in the picture as early as next week.

Guglielmo Vicario in line for imminent Tottenham return after surgery

The Italian had hernia surgery during the international break, and the club had hoped he might be able to return within approximately a month of the procedure.

De Zerbi confirmed on Friday that Sunday comes too soon, but does hope that the Inter Milan target will return just days after their trip to the Stadium of Light.

"Vicario is not ready for this game," De Zerbi said.

"I hope he comes back earlier next week, but I don't know yet."

The phrasing is cautious, as you would expect from a manager who has already dealt with too many optimistic timelines turning sour this season.

But "earlier next week" is significant — it points toward a potential return for Brighton's visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next Saturday, which would give Spurs their first-choice goalkeeper back for six of their remaining seven fixtures if all goes to plan.

Vicario's influence on this squad extends beyond what he produces between the posts.

De Zerbi's system at every club he has managed has required a goalkeeper comfortable operating as a sweeper and a ball-player from deep — qualities that Kinsky possesses in theory but has struggled to demonstrate consistently under pressure.

Getting Vicario back, even mid-week, would allow De Zerbi to implement his ideas properly and give the back four greater confidence in how they set their defensive line.

Tottenham and Aston Villa have joined a busy race to sign Léo Scienza, who is open to a move away from Southampton this summer.

De Zerbi targeting first Tottenham signing

It's a massive summer for Roberto De Zerbi, who must first make sure that Tottenham keep hold of their Premier League status in the final seven games of the current campaign.

Beyond that, it will be all about welcoming some much-needed improvements for the Italian, as he desperately scrambles to drag the Lilywhites back into European contention next season.

He's already made his intentions clear on that front, too - telling reporters: "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."

Whether Tottenham chiefs put their money where their mouths are is now the big question. Recent reports suggest that they're ready to back their manager, with the likes of Arthur Vermeeren and James Trafford already emerging as early transfer targets.

Of course, a big part of Totteham's potential improvement will also be the addition of attacking stars, which makes the race to sign Scienza all the more important.

Tottenham & Aston Villa race to sign Scienza

As reported by ESPN's Felipe Silva, Tottenham and Aston Villa are now racing to sign Scienza from Southampton just one week since he put Arsenal to the sword in the FA Cup, with club officials checking on the Brazilian regularly this season.

The attacking midfielder has grabbed the headlines with his performances in recent months and now has as many as five Premier League clubs chasing his signature.

Alongside Spurs and Villa, Leeds United, Fulham and Everton have all set their sights on the playmaker, who is hugely in-demand ahead of the summer transfer window and wants to make a step up.

A move makes perfect sense for both Tottenham and those at Villa Park. For the Lilywhites, Scienza would reignite their attacking spark, having been involved in 17 goals in all competitions so far this season. His take-on success and final-third precision are two traits that they've missed all season.

Scienza could become Aston Villa's Rogers replacement

As for Aston Villa, they could be staring at their replacement for Morgan Rogers. The England international is attracting plenty of attention ahead of the summer and those in the Midlands could be forced to cash in to pursue incomings of their own.

If that is the case, then Scienza should be among their top options. The Southampton man is open to a move to the top flight after an excellent season and Unai Emery could offer him exactly that in the coming months.

As things stand, however, the ball is very much in the South American's court amid interest from across the Premier League.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has asked Spurs to sign a "little superstar", and he is believed to be equally receptive to the transfer.

Tottenham dealt pre-Sunderland headaches as De Zerbi thinks long-term

De Zerbi's tenure as Tottenham head coach begins in earnest this Sunday when Spurs make the trip to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland.

It is a game that could hardly carry more weight — Spurs sit just a point above the relegation zone ahead of the visit to Wearside, and could find themselves in the bottom three before they even kick off should West Ham pick up a result against Wolves in Friday's evening fixture.

De Zerbi has had just over a week on the training ground to make his mark.

Seven Premier League games remain, and no league win has been recorded by the Lilywhites since December.

The Italian inherited a squad ravaged by injuries and low on confidence, and Sunday represents the first real opportunity to establish whether his appointment can change the mood.

Sunderland, who have their own European considerations to navigate during the final stretch of their debut top-flight season, will be no formality.

With that battle as the immediate backdrop, planning for next season is already underway — and one name has emerged as a priority for De Zerbi as he looks to reshape the squad this summer.

De Zerbi asks Tottenham to sign Arthur Vermeeren

According to SportsBoom, Tottenham are monitoring midfielder Arthur Vermeeren with a view to a summer move, contingent on the club retaining their Premier League status.

The 21-year-old spent some of the second half of the season working directly under De Zerbi at Marseille before the Italian departed the Stade Vélodrome in February, and the connection between manager and player is understood to be a significant factor in Spurs' interest.

De Zerbi has already requested that Vermeeren's name be added to a list of potential summer targets as he begins planning a squad overhaul, and the player himself is reported to be keen on the idea of continuing their working relationship at a new club.

With no European football to offer next season, Tottenham's budget will be constrained, and Vermeeren is expected to be available for around £25m — a relatively accessible figure given that his loan to Marseille expires this summer and RB Leipzig hold his registration.

If Leipzig deem him surplus to requirements, Spurs could move without a prolonged negotiation.

Vermeeren's journey to this point has been an unusual one.

He broke through at Royal Antwerp, making close to 70 appearances and winning a Belgian Pro League title before Atlético Madrid brought him to Spain.

The Belgian managed just five senior outings at the Wanda Metropolitano before heading to the Bundesliga and then on to Marseille on loan.

Those who have tracked his career most closely have long believed the talent is exceptional.

TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey flagged his potential as far back as 2023 on the Talking Transfers podcast, when Vermeeren was still at Antwerp and Arsenal were believed to be keen on him.

"This guy is special," said Bailey.

"Antwerp have a little superstar on their hands here in Arthur Vermeeren. He really is, from what I'm being told speaking to scouts, they think he's special.

"Our understanding is that Man City, Arsenal and Tottenham have all enquired about him, so have Bayern Munich, Dortmund and Juventus, Barcelona as well who looked in the summer at him."

The interest has been there for years, but whether Tottenham are still in the Premier League to act on it is a question that begins to be answered on Sunday afternoon.

Sunday can't come soon enough, with Tottenham Hotspur set to get underway under yet another new manager, as Roberto De Zerbi faces his first game in charge away at Sunderland.

Spurs are unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League matches against the Black Cats, although the north Londoners are a wounded beast these days, so devoid of confidence after a season of chaos at N17.

Seven games into the 2025/26 campaign, for context, the Lilywhites were sitting pretty in third on 14 points, just two points behind leaders Arsenal.

With seven games remaining, the gap to the Gunners stands at 40 points, with De Zerbi inheriting a side languishing just above the drop zone in 17th.

A quick fix is needed, and none more so than in the midfield unit...

Why De Zerbi has to find a midfield solution, and fast, at Spurs

In the view of Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, the "biggest problem" at the club this season has been the midfield, with recruitment in that department a particular issue in recent times.

Not since Mousa Dembele's exit in January 2019 have Spurs truly had a powerhouse figure in the centre of the park, enduring the particularly uninspiring pairing of Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg under the likes of Antonio Conte.

With De Zerbi now at the helm, those brought into the club of late will be under scrutiny, with it difficult to see on-loan Bayern Munich man, Joao Palhinha, offering the ball-playing, progressive quality that the Italian is after.

That, more concerningly, could also be an issue for £34m January arrival, Conor Gallagher, with the 26-year-old recording just an 80% pass accuracy rate on average in the Premier League this season, losing the ball 9.3 times per game from his midfield berth.

From the days of seeing the technical genius of Dembele or a young Luka Modric shine through, Tottenham have taken a real backward step in that regard, leaving De Zerbi with a real headache to solve as he seeks to find his next Moises Caicedo or Alexis Mac Allister at N17.

Under his predecessor, Igor Tudor, a youthful pairing of Pape Matar Sarr and Archie Gray had become the preferred pick across the last five games, yet the new boss could settle on a new Dembele or Modric-style axis instead.

De Zerbi could now unleash the new Dembele and Modric

Up against a Black Cats side boasting arguably the signing of the season in the Premier League, Granit Xhaka, De Zerbi can't afford to get it wrong for his first game in charge this weekend.

First impressions mean everything, with the 46-year-old likely to endear himself swiftly if he is to unleash perhaps the two most exciting midfielders on the books at Spurs, in the form of Gray and Lucas Bergvall.

As noted above, the former has been a mainstay of the side in recent weeks under Tudor, looking particularly impressive in the solitary win of the Croatian's time at the helm against Atletico Madrid.

That outing saw the 20-year-old Englishman hailed as a "young Declan Rice" by The Athletic's Duncan Alexander, with there certainly having been a Rice or even Dembele quality to his all-action display.

The manner in which the ex-Leeds United starlet can cover ground and carry the ball forward from deep is very much akin to the Belgian in his pomp, even while not possessing that powerhouse physicality.

That's not to say he is easy to bypass defensively, having been dribbled past just 0.07 times per game all season in the Premier League, ranking in the top 2.4% in that regard.

Gray can offer the stable defensive base, in the mould of Dembele, while Bergvall could be the more attack-minded, creative presence alongside him, with his quality on the ball previously described as "like Modric" by The Athletic's JJ Bull.

Still only 20 himself, the elegant Swede has endured an injury-hit campaign in north London, although his ability is not in question, notably ranking in the top 1.6% for successful dribbles in the top-flight.

Journalist Alasdair Gold has also pointed to the way he 'uses his body' as further evidence to the view that he is like a 'young Luka Modric', with there certainly a real silk to his game in that number eight or number ten berth.

The aforementioned Sarr has been ahead in the pecking order of late, yet the arrival of a new, forward-thinking coach could finally see Gray and Bergvall establish a settled partnership in the centre of the park.

While Dembele and Modric's paths might not have crossed in north London, their potential successors could now form a fearsome pairing under De Zerbi's watch.

Whether Tottenham Hotspur beat the drop or not come May, new boss Roberto De Zerbi will need to oversee something of a rebuild at N17 this summer.

While the likes of Ange Postecoglou before him may have pleaded for ready-made, proven signings, the overhaul has already begun to some degree in recent years, with the Lilywhites adopting a largely youth-centric transfer policy.

Last summer, the north Londoners notably splashed £52m on 22-year-old sensation, Xavi Simons, while the year prior, the midfield pairing of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall had both been added to Postecoglou's ranks.

Those deals may have taken time to truly pay off, yet with the senior stars wilting, it is Gray and co who are coming to the fore, with similar, high-potential signings set to be on the agenda ahead of next season.

£30m English star wants to join De Zerbi at Spurs this summer

For all the turmoil this term, there are reasons to be positive looking ahead to 2026/27, with De Zerbi's squad set to be bolstered by a string of returning loanees, be it Mikey Moore or Luka Vuskovic.

Whether that pairing remain on board, amid notable interest in them, may well be decided by the club's relegation fate over the next seven games, however, with Spurs' current plight likely to be an issue when it comes to planning ahead for potential new additions.

That said, there are those who would be willing to make the move regardless of whether the north Londoners stay up or not, with TEAMtalk reporting that Manchester City's James Trafford is open to the move even in the event of relegation.

That willingness to make the switch epitomises the 23-year-old's desire for game time after having found himself behind Gigi Donnarumma at the Etihad this season, with the England international keen to be the undisputed number one at his next club.

City, for their part, are said to be open to a sale, despite only re-signing their former academy graduate on a £27m deal from Burnley last summer, with reports elsewhere suggesting a fee of around £30m could be enough for any potential suitor.

As per this latest piece of news, it is said that Trafford is a 'key target' for De Zerbi and co, with Tottenham now 'pushing to sign' him, amid talk of a return to Italy for current number one, Guglielmo Vicario.

Why Trafford could be Archie Gray 2.0 at Spurs

A £30m fee for a player who has largely watched on from the bench this season at the Etihad may appear steep, although the Lilywhites would be investing for the long-term, just as they have done in the case of Gray.

An England youth international, like Trafford, the ex-Leeds United man was snapped up on a £40m deal almost two years ago, having previously flourished in the second tier during the 2023/24 campaign, in what was a breakthrough year under Daniel Farke.

It is in the Championship where Trafford's best work has come to date, but as has been seen in Gray's rise since, that shouldn't be a reason for concern, with the 6 foot 6 'keeper having been immense during Burnley's promotion push last term.

After losing his place in 2023/24 as the Clarets suffered relegation, the youngster recovered to cement a starting berth again under Scott Parker in 2024/25, ultimately conceding just 16 goals in 46 games - a truly staggering record.

That included a run of 12 successive clean sheets, having prevented 12.82 goals in the entire season. For comparison, the aforementioned Vicario has a goals prevented tally of -5.22 this term, having also made two errors leading directly to a goal.

To say the goalkeeping department has been a problem area at Spurs of late would be an understatement, with Vicario's woes coming amid that desperate night for back-up stopper, Antonin Kinsky, away at Atletico Madrid, resulting in his 16th-minute withdrawal.

For a goalkeeper to recover from such a high-profile disaster, particularly so earlier on in his career, is a difficult ask, ensuring Trafford could be the man to finally calm proceedings in the sticks.

A settled, solid first-choice has been needed since Hugo Lloris' exit, with Trafford, at just 23, seemingly the long-term solution. That certainly mirrors the midfield ranks, with the club enduring real turbulence in the post-Mousa Dembele world, albeit with Gray now looking set to put that right.

De Zerbi, for all his tactical genius, won't get anywhere without a stable presence in the sticks, ensuring young Trafford could represent a dream first signing of the Italian's regime at N17.

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has been tipped to start a Spurs player who could shake off an injury in time for their trip to Sunderland this weekend.

De Zerbi faces Spurs selection dilemmas ahead of Sunderland debut

De Zerbi's first test as Tottenham head coach arrives this Sunday when Spurs travel to the Stadium of Light, and the stakes are very high.

Tottenham could find themselves in the bottom three by the time the game kicks off, should West Ham beat Wolves in Friday's evening fixture, and De Zerbi has had just over a week of preparation to show what his arrival can do for a squad that has not won a league match since December.

The squad he has inherited is short on numbers in several key areas, with long-term absentees including Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Wilson Odobert all ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Guglielmo Vicario underwent hernia surgery during the international break, leaving Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky set to start between the sticks — his first appearance since a very difficult night in the Champions League against Atlético Madrid.

A plethora of other players are also sidelined in the build up to Sunderland and unlikely to play any role in the North East, but despite that, De Zerbi does have some encouragement heading into Sunday.

Pape Matar Sarr, whose been linked with a summer exit to Turkey this week, pulled out of the Senegal international squad with an injury concern but is now expected to be available for the trip to Wearside (Standard Sport) — a significant boost given how stretched the squad had been looking in the weeks prior.

Alongside Sarr, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge now suggests a return may well be likely for Mathys Tel.

De Zerbi tipped to start Tottenham star Mathys Tel against Sunderland

The journalist has assessed how De Zerbi is likely to approach his first selection, and Tel's availability on the right of the front three is a central question.

Bridge tips the 20-year-old Frenchman to come through his fitness assessment and start on that flank, having been one of the few genuine positives of a difficult second half of the season.

Tel has scored three goals and contributed one assist in 31 appearances this term, but had begun to look increasingly influential during what was a disastrous spell under Igor Tudor.

The winger was forced to withdraw from international duty with the France Under-21 squad after picking up a thigh injury against Nottingham Forest, but Bridge says Tel will be hoping to shake it off and start against the Black Cats.

If he isn't quite fit yet, Randal Kolo Muani could be an alternative option for De Zerbi.

Xavi Simons is tipped for the No.10 role, a position where the Dutch midfielder is considerably more effective than the wide berth he was frequently given under Tudor.

De Zerbi is also expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall providing the midfield base.

Whether Tel starts or Kolo Muani deputises, the requirement is the same: three points, a first league win in over three months and some early signs that the new chapter at Spurs looks different from the one that preceded it.

Leeds are doing 'everything' to stop centre-back Pascal Struijk from leaving the club this summer amid interest from a number of Premier League sides.

Tottenham and Aston Villa in race for Leeds star

The Dutch defender, who joined Leeds on a free transfer all the way back in 2018, is attracting interest from fellow relegation battlers Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Champions League chasers Aston Villa.

Newcastle are also in the mix, but Leeds are set to do "everything they can" to prevent the 26 year-old from joining a top flight rival.

This is according to a report from Football Insider, who reveal that the Yorkshire outfit are 'confident' of keeping Struijk at the club if they can maintain their Premier League status.

Relegation would leave them 'susceptible' to an exit for the versatile star, who has played 28 times in the league this season and can also fill in at full-back or in midfield.

Struijk contract and transfer fee

The former Ajax man didn't cost Leeds a penny when he joined as a teenager, but has grown into one of Daniel Farke's most important players.

Struijk is now one of Leeds' highest earners on £50,000-a-week - click for full Leeds wage list - but is only under contract until 2027, meaning the club would have to consider cashing in this summer if they cannot sign him to an extension.

Reports have suggested Leeds would demand up to £30m to part ways with the defender this summer despite his contract situation.

Leeds United Supporters’ Trust has claimed it is “not acceptable” that the dates for the FA Cup semi-finals have not yet been confirmed.

The last-four ties at Wembley will take place over the weekend April 25-26, while Leeds are scheduled to play a rearranged Premier League game at Bournemouth three days earlier.

Leeds reached the semi-finals for the first time in 39 years after Sunday’s penalty shoot-out win at West Ham and fans are in limbo with regards to travel arrangements and hotel bookings.

LUST said in a statement posted on social media: “We have reached out to both Leeds United and The Football Supporters’ Association to understand the slowness in announcing details for the FA Cup semi-final.

“Having liaised with the club, they are still in the dark and waiting on governing bodies, the police and broadcaster to come to a final decision.

“We’re all frustrated at the length of time it is taking whilst also planning the rearranged midweek fixture.

“It’s not acceptable that we go into the fourth day since the draw, with no details leaving thousands of fans in limbo.”

The FA has been approached for comment by the Press Association.

Leeds are expected to be allocated around 30,000 tickets for the trip to Wembley – their first time in the last four since 1987 when they lost 3-2 to eventual winners Coventry after extra time.

Manchester City face Southampton in the other semi-final and one of the ties will clash with this year’s London Marathon, which takes place on the Sunday.

Tottenham are set to make an offer worth up £12m to sign River Plater star Ian Subiabre, according to reports in Argentina.

Spurs in pole position for Subiabre

Subiabre is a 19 year-old winger who broke into River's first team in 2025, and has already played 36 times for the club, scoring three goals.

Spurs chiefs are confident Roberto De Zerbi will secure their Premier League status in the final seven game of the season, and have begun making plans to improve the squad with young signings with high ceilings.

Reports earlier this month claimed the Subiabre's agents were open to a move to England, and were working to lower his price from his massive £87m release clause.

Now, Argentine journalist Hernan Castillo, translated by Sport Witness, has revealed Tottenham are the club in pole position for the Argentina Under-17 international's signature.

“River is going to have a strong market in the middle of the year. They will spend, but they will also bring in money because it is very difficult for them to keep Subiabre. Very difficult. He has too much interest already.

“I know that Tottenham, Chelsea, Villarreal, Lazio are making constant enquiries. And now Tottenham are very strong.”

Castillo also claims Spurs are considering making a bid worth between €12m and €14m (£10.5m-£12m), with River rejecting a previous offer of €8m (£7m) from an unnamed club.

Subiabre could be Tottenham's next Archie Gray

Tottenham’s senior players have been urged to follow the example of Archie Gray if the club are to avoid a first relegation in 49 years.

Spurs are 17th after a 13-match winless run in the Premier League and with seven games left have turned to Roberto De Zerbi in a bid to retain top-flight status.

During a hugely disappointing season Gray has been a standout performer, and David Howells – who helped Tottenham avoid relegation twice in 1994 and 1997 – believes others must follow the lead of the 20-year-old ahead of Sunday’s trip to Sunderland.

“You definitely would hope that some of the older players would look across at Archie in the changing room and say, ‘look at this young man, he’s stepping up and it’s not fazing him, this is where we all need to be in terms of attitude and performance’. Yeah, absolutely he’s been the one consistent shining light,” Howells told the Press Association.

“I thought he was our best player again (against Nottingham Forest). I did say after the game against Atletico Madrid that he looked like an England midfielder, I did because he really looked the part.

“It is a credit to himself because a young lad like that, playing in a team that’s really struggling, he could sink but he’s actually gone the other way and been the best player in most of the games he has played.

“Yeah, massive credit to him and really exciting to see a young player like that at this time thinking about what he could become because the sky’s the limit.”

Tottenham players are already falling in love with new manager Roberto De Zerbi, and one particular change has proved very popular amongst the Spurs squad.

The appointment of De Zerbi represents Tottenham's third managerial change of the season, and the most significant by some distance.

Thomas Frank came and went, Igor Tudor lasted 44 days, and now the Italian who turned Brighton into one of English football's most watched sides has signed a five-year deal at Hotspur Way - one that makes him one of the highest-paid managers in the country.

The contrast in ambition between this appointment and its predecessors is not subtle.

Tottenham have, to be specific, made De Zerbi the third best-paid manager in the Premier League, behind only Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola (GiveMeSport) — a financial commitment that reflects both the seriousness of the long-term project and the desperation of the short-term situation.

Spurs go into Sunday's trip to Sunderland sitting 17th, one point above the drop zone, with six games to play after that one.

What matters right now, though, is what has been happening on the training pitch, and the early signals are worth paying attention to.

What Tottenham players love about Roberto De Zerbi's training sessions

Football London's Alasdair Gold has repeatedly reported that the mood at Hotspur Way has shifted.

Players went home describing the opening day's work in strongly positive terms, with one senior figure telling friends it was among the best training he had experienced.

Footage released by the club on social media gave a public glimpse of De Zerbi's hands-on approach, working directly with Lucas Bergvall, Mathys Tel and Archie Gray in particular.

But it is the method Gold has described that stands out.

Rather than arriving with a rigid system and demanding players conform to it, the Italian has taken a different starting point entirely. He has been spending dedicated time with individual players, identifying what each of them can do and working to improve those specific qualities.

The focus, according to Gold's sources, is on making each person a better footballer — not just a better cog in a predetermined machine, and players are believed to have responded with sheer delight.

Plenty of managers arrive at clubs with a clear tactical identity and slot players into pre-assigned roles, but De Zerbi appears to be doing something different: beginning with the individuals in front of him and building outward from there.

De Zerbi also has a say in identifying the club's next sporting director, adding influence off the pitch to go with his work on it, after the ex-Sassuolo boss signed a 'Mikel Arteta-like' deal which gives him more control.

The architecture of the rebuild, in other words, runs deeper than just the training sessions.

Whether any of that translates into points at Sunderland remains to be seen, but the start has at least been more promising than the exits it followed.