De Zerbi wants to convince Spence to stay at Spurs

What the report says

BBC Sport reported that Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi wants Djed Spence to remain at the club, despite uncertainty over the England defender’s future. Speaking in Sydney, De Zerbi said he had told Spence, as well as midfielder Lucas Bergvall, that he would like them to stay if they are committed, but would not stand in the way if they want to leave. Spence, 25, signed a long-term contract last year and has been linked with Inter Milan and Everton.

The report said De Zerbi still views Spence as part of his plans, even though competition at right-back has intensified. Pedro Porro currently holds Spence’s preferred position, and De Zerbi described the Spain international as the best in the world in that role. Spence started 23 of his 30 Premier League matches last season, when Spurs finished 17th and avoided relegation on the final day.

BBC Sport also reported wider squad changes at Tottenham after heavy summer spending. Spurs have reportedly spent a club-record £237m, including major deals for Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali and Jan Paul van Hecke, while Marcos Senesi, Andrew Robertson and Martin Dubravka arrived on free transfers. Captain Cristian Romero and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario are described as likely departures.

De Zerbi said Tottenham’s transfer work is not finished and indicated the club is still seeking attacking reinforcements, including amid talks over Manchester City’s Savinho. The BBC noted that other possible attacking names remain speculative unless Spurs or another club confirm an approach.