Tottenham provided Roberto De Zerbi with a major boost following their agreement to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.
The Dutch defender is set to arrive in north London after Spurs reached a deal worth around £52 million.
Van Hecke follows Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi through the door as De Zerbi continues reshaping his squad ahead of the new season.
The Tottenham head coach has wasted little time putting his stamp on the team.
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Defensive reinforcements were viewed as a major priority and Spurs have moved decisively to address that area of the pitch.
Robertson brings vast experience and leadership qualities, while Senesi adds further depth and Premier League know-how.
Van Hecke, meanwhile, is regarded as one of the best centre-backs outside the traditional top clubs and arrives with his reputation higher than ever.
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The La Liga giants have been forced to look elsewhere.
However, Tottenham’s recruitment drive is definitely not stopping there, with the Lilywhites still keen on Man City’s Savinho and recently burst into the race for Newcastle star Sandro Tonali.
Indeed, it appears the club are now preparing to turn their attention towards one of the most ambitious targets of the summer.
Tottenham to open Sandro Tonali talks after Jan Paul van Hecke deal
According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are set to open talks with Newcastle over a potential move for Tonali after sealing the deal for van Hecke.
The Italian midfielder has emerged as one of De Zerbi’s top targets as Tottenham look to strengthen the heart of their midfield.
His performances for Newcastle have regularly underlined why he was considered one of Europe’s elite midfield prospects before leaving AC Milan.
The 26-year-old combines technical quality with relentless work rate, and he is capable of controlling games in possession while also providing energy and aggression without the ball.
Those qualities make him an ideal fit for the style of football De Zerbi wants Tottenham to play.
Recent reports had suggested Spurs were being used as leverage by Tonali’s camp to attract interest from other clubs.
Arsenal, in particular, have repeatedly been linked with the Newcastle star in recent months.
However, Romano’s latest update appears to dismiss that theory.
The transfer expert reports that suggestions Tottenham are simply being used to generate interest elsewhere are not accurate.
Instead, the £150,000-per-week midfielder is said to be genuinely interested in the possibility of joining Spurs.
That development will undoubtedly encourage Tottenham supporters.
Convincing a player of Tonali’s calibre to consider the move is a significant step in itself. The difficult part, however, will be negotiating with Newcastle.
The Magpies have consistently made it clear that Tonali is one of the most important players in Eddie Howe’s squad, and any deal would therefore require a huge financial commitment from Tottenham.
Reports have suggested Newcastle value the midfielder at up to £100 million.
Even so, Spurs appear willing to explore whether a deal can be struck.
Landing Tonali would represent one of the biggest transfer statements Tottenham have made in years, with the Italian entering his prime and would instantly elevate the quality of De Zerbi’s midfield options.
It would also send a powerful message to rivals across the Premier League.
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