Expectation Of Djed Spence Moving This Summer

Mike McGrath shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans during his appearance on Last Word on Spurs on Tuesday night. He talked about possible new attacking signings and which players might leave before the summer window ends.

Tottenham have already made big changes to Roberto De Zerbi’s squad. Still, McGrath thinks the head coach will keep playing a key role in the club’s remaining transfer decisions.

“He (Roberto De Zerbi) would have a say; Spurs will ask his opinion (On signings),” McGrath explained.

He also said it would be rare for a manager not to give input on which players the club is targeting. So, De Zerbi will likely be asked for his thoughts, even though Tottenham’s sporting department will handle the negotiations, which are believed to be via Rafi Moeston and Vinai Venkatesham.

One key player mentioned was Manchester City winger Savinho, who Spurs have wanted for a long time. But McGrath warned that talks could go on until the end of the transfer window.

“It (Savinho move) could go to the deadline; it’s a long-standing interest, and it could drag on,” he said.

McGrath also stated: “I don’t think there is a massive rush to get done before the pre-season game at the weekend.”

Savinho is still a strong option for Spurs, but McGrath downplayed rumours linking Tottenham with another Manchester City attacker, Omar Marmoush.

“I’ve not heard any news on Marmoush to Spurs; he is really highly rated at City. I would be very surprised if he leaves,” he revealed.

Tottenham might also look for a new central striker, especially if Richarlison leaves north London before the window shuts.

“I think they will go for a number 9, particularly if Richarlison goes,” McGrath explained.

McGrath also talked about players who could leave, including Cristian Romero. He thinks the Argentina international would have fit well with Chelsea’s efforts to add experience and leadership.

“I felt he (Cuti Romero) fit the bill and what they are trying to do at Chelsea, with Welbeck and Henderson,” he said, before suggesting there would be a strong market for the defender; Spanish and Italian clubs are rumoured to be interested in the centre-back.

McGrath pointed out that Tottenham’s recent defensive signings suggest the club may be preparing for life without Romero.

“The signings of Van Hecke and Senesi tell you they’re thinking of Romero; it’s run its course,” he explained.

Guglielmo Vicario is another player McGrath expects to leave. “I think he (Guglielmo Vicario) will go; the writing was on the wall last season,” he said.

McGrath thinks a move to Serie A could be possible for Vicario later in the window, since there are not many spots open for goalkeepers in the Premier League right now. Juventus have been linked all summer as they continue to build their squad for the new campaign.

A major talking point of the episode was Djed Spence’s future, with some Italian clubs said to be watching his situation.

“I would expect some bids to come in for Djed Spence by the end of the window,” McGrath revealed.

He said there is real interest from Italian teams, including the Milan clubs. McGrath also said: “There has always been an expectation of him (Djed Spence) moving on this summer.” Still, De Zerbi will get a chance to look at Spence when he returns.

McGrath thinks Lucas Bergvall is more likely to leave than Rodrigo Bentancur, though Tottenham’s plans could still change before the deadline.

“I think it’ll be more likely Bergvall to leave and Bentancur to stay; of course, a lot can change,” he said.

Newcastle United have been linked with Bergvall, and McGrath thinks the Swedish midfielder would fit in well at St James’ Park.

“I think he (Bergvall) fits right in at Newcastle,” he added.

Finally, McGrath confirmed that Aston Villa are truly interested in Pape Matar Sarr, but Tottenham would want a big fee before selling the Senegal international.

“There is genuine interest in Pape Sarr from Aston Villa; I don’t think Spurs will let him go cheap,” he concluded.

Tottenham still have a lot to do before the window closes. While new attackers remain a priority, what happens with Romero, Vicario, Spence, Bergvall, and Sarr will also be important as De Zerbi keeps reshaping the squad.