Tottenham Hotspur are planning to ensure they are not in another relegation battle next season, and Roberto De Zerbi is eyeing a raid on his former club to make it happen.

The Lilywhites secured their survival with a win over Everton on the final day of the campaign, sending West Ham into the Championship and cementing the future of a number of top players at the club. But the manager is keen to strengthen the squad, and bring in players to suit his tactical needs.

The best way for him to do that quickly is to sign players he has worked with previously, and it has now emerged that the Italian is taking a close look at some former players ahead of the summer window.

Tottenham Eyeing Baleba Transfer Hijack

According to a report by Miguel Delaney, Tottenham are eyeing a move to sign Brighton midfield sensation Carlos Baleba this summer.

Baleba, who has been described as ‘world-class’, has been strongly linked with a move away from the AMEX Stadium this summer, with Man Utd understood to be strong suitors for his signature. In fact, it has been reported that Baleba already has a verbal agreement over a move to Old Trafford.

However, De Zerbi is hopeful of hijacking that move by entering the race for his former midfielder, and using his relationship with the player to convince him to move to north London instead.

The Cameroon international won’t be cheap, however, with Brighton understood to be demanding around £100m for his services, as they look to keep their squad strong following qualification for the Conference League next season.

Tottenham are prepared to back De Zerbi fully this summer, but there is an acceptance that it will be difficult for them to do that. However, De Zerbi views Baleba as one of ‘his players’, and feels there is a deal there than can be done.

Baleba Would Be Perfect Tottenham Addition

Tottenham were seriously lacking with their squad this season when it came to having the legs and fitness to stop opposing teams hurting them, and there aren’t many better at combating that problem than Baleba.

The 22-year-old is quick, strong, and has great for for growth, which makes him the absolutely perfect signing for what Spurs are looking to build going forward. But they face a huge ask convincing him to join.

Not only is the transfer fee likely to be huge, but Man Utd have an agreement in place and he has been desperate to make that switch since last year. If anyone can convince him to change it’s mind, it’s likely to be De Zerbi, but it won’t be easy.

Liverpool are preparing to make a move to sign Anthony Gordon this summer, according to reports.

With Mohamed Salah leaving the club this summer, following an agreement between player and club to terminate his contract early, Liverpool will be on the lookout for a replacement.

There are also question marks over the long-term futures of Federico Chiesa and Cody Gakpo, who have failed to live up to expectations this season.

Liverpool have a number of irons in the fire when it comes to replacing Salah, with the likes of Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola viewed as potential options.

Liverpool almost signed Gordon two years ago

However, Gordon has now re-emerged as a potential signing, two years after coming close to making the move to Anfield.

The Reds came close to signing the England star in the summer of 2024, but a £75million deal fell through at the last moment, when Newcastle opted to sell Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest instead to help comply with the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules.

GIVEMESPORT understands that Gordon is expected to leave St James’ Park this summer and Liverpool’s historic interest may now have turned into active interest this summer, according to Teamtalk.

But they will have to act quickly if they are to get a deal over the line, given the strong interest in Gordon from Bayern Munich.

The German giants have been heavily linked with signing the forward this summer, with GMS’s senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs revealing an agreement is already in place.

He said: “Broad terms now in place between Anthony Gordon and Bayern Munich. However, there remains a gulf in valuation between Bayern and Newcastle with club-to-club talks ongoing. Newcastle seeking £75million-plus. There is optimism the club’s valuation will be met given the volume of initial interest.”

It has been reported that Bayern value the England man at closer to £55million, meaning they will have to go back to the negotiating table if they want to complete a deal.

And that may hand Liverpool the opportunity to hijack the transfer.

Gordon could be the perfect Mohamed Salah replacement

Gordon, who Pep Guardiola described as “one of the most dangerous players in the Premier League”, is now viewed by Liverpool as the more likely signing of those on their shortlist this summer, and if they stump up the cash Newcastle are demanding, the Reds should not have too much difficulty in convincing the player to sign on at Anfield.

While Gordon started his career at Liverpool’s bitter rivals Everton, he actually grew up as a Red, actually being part of their academy until he was released at the age of 11.

Steven Gerrard was his idol growing up, too, as he revealed in an interview with Gary Neville: “Steven Gerrard was my football hero growing up. Coming from Liverpool, he was like a God in Liverpool, and he was an unbelievable player.”