Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has identified players he could sign in the summer as his side battle to avoid relegation.
Spurs prepare for the most important game of the season against Everton
There is nothing complex about Sunday’s equation for Tottenham.
A point against Everton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will keep them winning. If they lose, West Ham will need to drop a point against Leeds to avoid the most humiliating relegation in Premier League history.
De Zerbi’s side are two points behind the Hammers, with goal difference providing an important safety net, but no one in the building is taking for granted that they are heading into a genuinely nerve-wracking situation.
Everton, who have nothing more to play for than professional pride, are a favorable opponent for Spurs.
But this season has taught everyone at the club that nothing comes easy.
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The Argentine player is a big fan.
The 2-1 defeat against Chelsea was a clear missed opportunity for the Lilywhites to confirm their survival. De Zerbi has transformed the atmosphere since arriving in late March, but his work won’t be done until the whistle blows on Sunday afternoon.
If Spurs survive, and they should, the summer period will be the most important in the club’s recent history.
De Zerbi will need to rebuild a squad that is far from good enough, and early signs are that he has already started compiling a list of targets.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi targets Southampton star Leo Cienza
One name that has quietly surfaced is Leo Cienza.
According to SportsBoom, the Tottenham manager has added the Southampton attacker to his short list of attacking options ahead of a busy summer recruitment drive.
The 27-year-old Brazilian has been outstanding in the Championship this season, scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists in all competitions, and was named Southampton’s player of the season by his team-mates.
His defining moment came in the FA Cup, where he was named Man of the Match and helped Saints knock Arsenal out of the competition.
Cienza joined Southampton from Bundesliga side Heidenheim in September last year and has a long-term contract until 2029.
According to Sportboom, Southampton’s internal valuation is thought to remain at around £25m, although there are suggestions that a release clause of around £20m could provide a more accessible route.
The Spygate scandal changed the situation dramatically.
Southampton were expelled from Tuesday’s Championship play-off final after being found guilty of spying on opponents’ training sessions on three separate occasions this season, meaning the club will remain in the second tier next year.
This reality has greatly reduced their ability to retain their best players.
Cienza is 27 years old and in his prime. He wants to play at the highest level. Staying in the Championship for two seasons in a row won’t appeal.
Everton and Roma are also monitoring the situation, while Atalanta and several Brazilian clubs have also made inquiries.
It is understood that Mr Scienza’s preference is to move to European football, with the Premier League being the most attractive destination.
The creative and technically gifted wide player will be a valuable addition to Spurs, as he has already proven he can spread across the front and perform in big situations.
But first, Sunday. Then you can start rebuilding.
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