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Leeds United midfielder Marc Roca is amongst Xavi and Barcelona’s candidates to replace the departing Sergio Busquets this summer, according to reports in Spain.

Who is Marc Roca?

If Marc Roca did end up at Barcelona, he would be making the move to the direct rivals of his boyhood club, Espanyol. The midfielder initially started out at the Spanish club, before making his big move to Bayern Munich in 2020.

After things didn’t quite work out in the Bundesliga, however, Roca made the move to Leeds United in 2022. And, now, he could be on the move again after suffering the heartbreak of Premier League relegation with the Yorkshire club.

For Leeds last season, Roca made 32 appearances in the Premier League, finding the back of the net on one occasion in a collective campaign to forget at Elland Road.

At 26, the Spaniard should be entering his prime, too, meaning a move to a club of Barcelona’s stature could prove to be perfectly timed.

Currently valued at just £12.9 million by Transfermarkt, Roca could save the La Liga champions plenty of money on a Busquets replacement.

Why do Barcelona want Marc Roca?

Following the emotional departure of club legend Busquets, Barcelona finally need to find a new, reliable defensive midfielder.

Busquets held onto the role incredibly well and remains a part of the club’s illustrious history as one of the best players to step foot onto the Nou Camp turf. All good things must come to an end, however, leaving Xavi with the task to scour the market this summer.

Whoever steps into the role left by the legendary midfielder has almost impossible shoes to fill. With Roca reportedly among the options, the question arises, is he the player for the job?

It certainly comes as a surprise to see a relegated midfielder linked with such a move, but such is Barcelona’s need to tighten their budget these days, Roca could prove to be a smart acquisition if the move takes place.

As the Blaugrana look to defend their fresh LaLiga crown, smart recruitment may just prove to be the key in the forthcoming summer transfer window, potentially starting with Roca.

It remains to be seen what price Leeds will set if Xavi and co decide to pursue a deal to sign the former Bayern Munich midfielder, but with a long summer ahead, a few more twists can be expected.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up 5 for 33 to leave New Zealand at 128 for 7, trailing India by 188 runs at Eden Gardens

The Report by Alagappan Muthu01-Oct-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details2:16

O’Brien: Bhuvneshwar was spot on in helpful conditions

In recent times, India’s fast bowlers have been limited to making token appearances at home. If there is swing in the air, they are kept on. If not, bring on the spinners and smother the opposition. Sometimes, even in helpful conditions, India’s quicks aren’t accurate enough and simply to stem the runs they are taken off. In Kolkata, on a pitch offering variable bounce, it was Bhuvneshwar Kumar yanking the game India’s way with a five-wicket haul.New Zealand would feel aggrieved they went to stumps at 128 for 7 because they lost three of their wickets – including captain Ross Taylor’s – when conditions were at their worst. There had been an hour and half’s break due to rain. It was very overcast when play resumed. The light had faded and the ball, apart from swinging and seaming, was keeping quite low. Essentially, a red carpet for Bhuvneshwar.Play resumed at 4 pm. There was one cursory over of spin before the quicks came back. Mohammed Shami got one to trampoline from back of a length. It beat the edge. Taylor flashed a wry smile. Bhuvneshwar made one hold its line. It took the edge. Taylor flashed a wry smile and was walking back. Mitchell Santner was trapped lbw by a short one that crept through. Next ball, Bhuvneshwar hit Matt Henry’s off stump to complete his second five-for in three Tests and his first one at home.It helped that India had 316 on the board, when New Zealand’s innings began in the morning session. Shami trapped Tom Latham in front with an inswinger from around the wicket. Bhuvneshwar had the luckless Martin Guptill bowled off his elbow; it was the seventh successive time in Test cricket he had been dismissed by one of the two new-ball bowlers.Smart stats

3/31 Previous best figures for Bhuvneshwar Kumar in Tests in India. His 5 for 33 is his maiden five-for at home in seven Tests. He has three five-fors in away Tests.
15 Over in which India introduced spinners – the latest in a home Test since Ahmedabad 2007-08 against South Africa, when spin was introduced in 22nd over.
36 Previous highest score for Wriddhiman Saha in home Tests. He made his first half-century in India after a century and two fifties away.
15 Runs accumulated by New Zealand’s top-three batsmen – their second-lowest in the first innings of a Test against India.
24 Runs by openers of both teams in the first inns of this Test – 10 for India, 14 for New Zealand – which is the lowest in any Test at Eden Gardens.

Bhuvneshwar then dismissed Henry Nicholls with a ball that should have been left alone. For once, the mistakes were being committed by the batsman and India’s quicks were so disciplined that they delayed the arrival of spin to the 15th over. You had to go back almost a decade to see the last instance of spin coming on at a later time when India have played at home – against South Africa in 2007-08.Jadeja had Luke Ronchi plumb in front in his second over of the day, but umpire Rod Tucker disagreed. Soon enough, though, the batsman came forward to a ball on middle stump, looking for the ball to spin away. It didn’t. This time Tucker upheld Jadeja’s raucous appeal, though HawkEye seemed to suggest it may have been sliding down.If India’s bowling was unrelenting, their batting was purposeful. Wriddhiman Saha chose a fine occasion to hit his maiden half-century in India. His team was playing its 250th Test at home – at his home ground in fact – and was looking for a total above 300. Saha knew he had to be careful at the start. There was the new-ball factor, and New Zealand had come back on the second day refreshed. Soon though, he had to hit out as India lost their eighth and ninth wickets with the addition of a mere nine runs. A lofted cover drive of the highest order – never mind that it went for six – brought him his fifty and thrust India over 300. Eventually, he was unbeaten on 54.The day had begun with a bouncer. Saha responded with a cover driven four next ball. Later, the hard new ball, pitched short by Trent Boult, barely whistled over the off stump. For the rest of that over, the 91st, Ravindra Jadeja had to contend with balls flying past his ears. Saha was hit on the elbow and the rib cage. Jadeja smacked the third ball of spin for six over deep midwicket. Just as their partnership was becoming dangerously big considering it was for the eighth wicket, Neil Wagner broke through.Some say the health of Test cricket is dire; that Twenty20 has swindled the fan base because anything can happen. In Kolkata, two good teams and a pitch that was helping the bowlers proved it isn’t hard to replicate that excitement no matter the format. Besides, you get a nice, fat five days of it. More to love.It was compelling stuff, really. New Zealand were bowling to a plan. Jadeja and Saha were determined not to let them succeed. They added 41 runs in 74 balls, and a measure of how well they assessed conditions and stood up to them was that there were only three boundaries this morning in the partnership.India have often used one partnership, one mistake from the opposition, even a change in the wind to get on a roll at home. To prevent that Ross Taylor asked Wagner to go around the stumps, posted a short leg and a leg gully. Jadeja knew what was coming, but couldn’t help himself. He was cramped by the line. He couldn’t get on top of the bounce. The short ball – though it was telegraphed – was top-edged to Henry at long leg.Mitchell Santner trapped Bhuvneshwar plumb in front in the 100th over but umpire Tucker misread it. So Santner did his best to recreate the same play the very next ball and the finger went up. This time, though, HawkEye seemed to indicate it wouldn’t have hit the stumps. Shami came out and got three fours away, but when he pulled Boult in the air to long leg, Henry raced to his right and pulled off a stunning catch to end the innings.

تحدث توني أوبين رئيس مجلس إدارة نادي ميدياما، عن مباراة فريقه المقبلة أمام الأهلي، والتي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ويلاقي الأهلي منافسه ميدياما الغاني مساء الجمعة المقبل، في إطار منافسات الجولة الخامسة من مرحلة المجموعات بالمسابقة القارية.

وقال توني أوبين في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة الحياة: “ستكون مباراة الأهلي في غاية الصعوبة، وخسرنا المباراة الأولى ونعلم أن الأهلي فريق قوي جدًا في القارة الإفريقية ويضم لاعبين كبار”.

وتابع: “الأهلي هو أكثر نادي نجاحًا في مجال كرة القدم في القارة الإفريقية، نحن مستعدون لهذا اللقاء وربما تحدث مفاجآت، وكنا سعداء بأداء الفريق أمام الأهلي رغم خسارة المباراة الأولى”.

وأكمل: “لاعبو ميدياما فقدوا التركيز بعد الدقيقة 70 وهذا ما أعطى الأحمر فرصة لتحقيق المكسب، منذ ذلك الوقت انتصرنا أمام شباب بلوزداد، وكان يجب تسجيل أهداف أكثر وكان لقاء جيد، لم نقدم أداء بشكل أفضل في تنزانيا ضد يانج أفريكانز، ولكن نحن نتطلع لكي نؤدي بشكل جيد أمام الأهلي”.

طالع | رئيس ميدياما قبل مواجهة الأهلي: سنصدم الغانيين.. ونرصد مكافأة كبرى للاعبين

وأردف: “حال تحقيق الفوز على الأهلي وتمكنا في تحقيق المكسب على الفريق الجزائري سنتأهل من المجموعة، وما زالت الفرصة متاحة، الأهلي فريق قوي ومرشح دائمًا وكرة القدم تحدث فيها المفاجآت، ونسعى للفوز في هذه المباراة بغانا”.

وأوضح: “لدينا كل الدعم والتشجيع من الجماهير وسنستخدم ذلك لتحقيق المفاجآت أمام الأهلي والفوز بالمباراة، نحن دائمًا نلعب على نفس الملعب، وهذا يتماشى مع المعايير التي حددها كاف”.

وبسؤاله هل طائرة الأهلي تعرضت لمشكلة في مطار أكرا؟، أجاب: “لست على دراية بهذا الأمر على الإطلاق”.

وعما إذا تلقى النادي أي عرض للتعاقد مع المهاجم الغاني جوناثان سواه؟، أوضح: “عندما جاء إلى القاهرة ظهر بشكل رائع وهو لاعب متميز وضمن اللاعبين المتميزين في المنتخب، عندما لعبنا في القاهرة تلقينا اتصالًا وقال إنه مسؤول من الأهلي وكان لديهم الرغبة في التعاقد مع اللاعب”.

وأتم: “لكن التواصل لم يكن رسميًا، ولم نتلق عرضًا رسميًا من أجل الحصول على خدمات اللاعب، وهذا الشخص لم يتصل مرة ثانية”.

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Tottenham Hotspur are now ‘going after’ Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni after being highlighted as the ‘one they would want’ in defence heading into the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Top of Conte’s wish list

It has been claimed that bringing in a new left-sided central defender is a priority for the Lilywhites this summer, and the 23-year-old was one of just several names who had been linked with a move to the Premier League giants last month.

However, as reported by the Evening Standard earlier this week, Spurs appear to have suffered a huge blow in the race for the Italian, who is seemingly be keen to remain at the San Siro. This hasn’t shut down any interest from N17, though, with the defender believed to be at the very top of Antonio Conte’s wish list.

The north London club aren’t the only ones wanting to secure Bastoni’s signature, with top-flight rivals Manchester United also considering a move for the centre-back, despite him still having two years remaining on his current contract with Inter.

The Latest: Jones confirms Spurs’ Bastoni interest

Jones has now claimed that Tottenham are completely focused on completing a deal for Bastoni in the coming weeks.

He told GiveMeSport: “Bastoni is clearly the one they’re going after at Tottenham at the moment.

“It’s hard to look beyond that and it’s clearly a prime position that they’re looking to fix quickly. Bastoni is the one they would want.”

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The Verdict: Reunion on the cards?

It comes as no surprise to see that Conte is targeting a move for the 13-cap Italy international given that they worked alongside each other in Serie A, where Bastoni made 74 appearances under the 52-year-old during his Inter reign.

This season, Ben Davies has typically been the man to regularly feature as Spurs’ left-sided centre-back following Conte’s arrival in N17 last November, but you could argue that the £122k-per-week Inter starlet is viewed as an upgrade on the starting XI.

In their respective 2021/22 league campaigns, the Italian won more tackles, made more pressures and put in more crosses than the Wales defender (via FBRef).

Bastoni, who was once dubbed a “tenacious” tackler by talent scout Jacek Kulig, might well be tempted into reuniting with his former boss. Also, considering that Spurs will be playing Champions League football next season, this could be a huge factor when it comes down to the 23-year-old deciding where his next destination will be.

In other news… a Sky Sports pundit has reacted to this transfer update on one Spurs player

Leeds United winger Jack Harrison is open to a move away from Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Dean Jones, with the transfer insider revealing in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that, despite the fact that Leeds secured their Premier League status on the final day of the season, the 25-year-old is still hoping to depart LS11 in the coming months – with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United both reported to be interested in the forward.

Concerning the future of the former England U21 international, Jones said: “Jack Harrison is willing to consider his options at the moment, which I don’t think people thought would happen if Leeds stayed up.”

Orta must axe Harrison

While it is true that Harrison has provided the Whites with a number of memorable moments over his four-year stay at Elland Road – such as his hat-trick in a 3-2 win over West Ham United back in January and the winner that all but secured the Whites’ top-flight survival in the 2-1 victory over Brentford on the final day of the season – should the winger wish to move onto pastures new this summer, Victor Orta must surprisingly cut the 25-year-old loose.

Indeed, despite the £17m-rated forward hitting the back of the net eight times over his 35 Premier League fixtures in 2021/22, in truth, these goals somewhat papered over the cracks of the former Manchester City starlet’s largely poor performances.

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Aside from his strikes, the £60k-per-week attacker offered Jesse Marsch’s side very little going forwards, with FBref ranking Harrison in the bottom 15% of wingers and attacking midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty xG per 90, as well as the bottom 15% for shots, the bottom 5% for assists, the bottom 6% for xA, the bottom 9% for npxG+xA and the bottom 25% for shot-creating actions over the last 365 days.

As such, it is clear to see that the Whites’ £11m signing who Patrick Vieria dubbed a “special talent” very much underperformed this season – despite the fact that Raphinha was the only Leeds player to outscore the former New York City FC forward across all competitions in 21/22.

Furthermore, with Marsch looking set to deploy his favoured 4-2-2-2 formation next term, there may also not be a guaranteed spot for Harrison in the American’s starting XI, leading us to believe that a parting of ways between the 25-year-old and the Whites may well be desirable for both parties this summer.

AND in other news: Huge Leeds United summer transfer twist emerges, Jesse Marsch will be devastated

Nottingham Forest are believed to be optimistic about the chances of signing loan star Djed Spence next season, according to a report from a reliable source in The Guardian. 

The lowdown: Stellar season

Signed on loan from fellow second-tier side Middlesborough back in September 2021, Spence has proven to be a superb addition to the Forest squad.

The marauding right-back has been a key component of Steve Cooper’s side and looks certain to play an important role as the Reds prepare to take on Huddersfield Town in the Championship playoff final.

Regardless of whether Forest reach the promised land of the Premier League, it appears plans are already in place to bring the 21-year-old back to the City Ground for 2022/23.

The latest: ‘Quiet optimism’

As per The Guardian, Nottingham Forest are said to hold ‘quiet optimism’ that Spence will return on loan even if a move elsewhere is available this summer.

It’s claimed that the club are ‘confident’ of re-signing at least two of this season’s loanees, with Philip Zinckernagel, James Garner and Keinan Davis all mentioned as possible permanent captures.

Should Cooper guide the Reds to the top flight, the report states that the hierarchy would need to shell out a ‘Premier League premium’ to bring any of the aforementioned stars in.

The verdict: Statement signing

If Forest could sign Spence for good next term it would be a remarkable coup for the club and a sure sign of the pulling power returning to the Midlands outfit.

During the regular 2021/22 campaign, the youngster who was hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by Arsenal legend Ian Wright following the FA Cup triumph over the Londoners, scored twice and provided five assists in 42 Championship appearances.

With interest from the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United as well as currently being valued at a rising £7.2million (Transfermarkt), the Reds’ hierarchy would make a real statement of intent by beating teams with European football to offer to get their man.

In other news, a Nottingham Forest bid for one player is expected this summer. Find out who it is here.

A huge Newcastle United claim has emerged regarding their plans for their left-back position heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Jacque Talbot has claimed that the Tyneside club may look to strike deals for both Renan Lodi and Matt Targett in the coming months.

The reporter has also stated that the Magpies are not the only team interested in landing the former, as some Serie A clubs are also looking at the Brazilian.

Talbot tweeted: “Now would you pile on me if I told you that one source did say that both Lodi and Targett could happen? Lodi has known to be a very attacking full-back, but he has been played on the left-wing position as well – it’s actually where he’s scored three goals from this season.”

This was in response to another one of his tweets, which read: “Told nothing in the reports Renan Lodi and Newcastle will be meeting next week. The defender is on the club’s list but there’s interest from Italy as well, a country he has a passport for…”

Supporters will be excited

Newcastle supporters will surely be excited by this claim, as signing both Lodi and Targett would be outstanding business by the club.

Eddie Howe would have two quality left-back options to pick from throughout the season and they would be able to push each other on the training pitch to avoid complacency.

Targett is a proven Premier League performer who has shown that he can be a solid presence in the number three role. In 33 top-flight appearances in 2021/22, he averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.96 as he made 3.8 tackles and interceptions per game.

He is tried and trusted and would be a sensible signing by PIF if they make his loan from Aston Villa a permanent deal this summer.

Lodi would a riskier, albeit more exciting, addition. In the recently-concluded La Liga season, the Brazilian excelled in the final third with two goals and two assists in 13 starts for Atletico Madrid, creating three ‘big chances’ in his limited time on the pitch.

However, he only made 1.5 tackles and interceptions per game and has never played in the Premier League. This means that he would not be the safe, sensible option that Targett would be, and this may be an exciting prospect for Newcastle fans as they might not know quite what to expect from the 24-year-old.

Lodi’s attacking statistics suggest that he enjoys getting forward, with Talbot citing that the Atletico defender is capable of playing out wide, and this will delight supporters who want to see an attacking style of play.

Therefore, fans will be excited by the prospect of both players coming in, as Howe would have the reliable presence of Targett for tight matches and a potential maverick in Lodi in games where Newcastle want to attack down the flanks.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Bruno: NUFC can form a deadly duo by signing “outstanding” £34m “rock”…

Manchester City has emerged as a ‘dream’ move for one player as the English champions retain their domestic crown.

The Lowdown: Pep’s relentless blues…

The Sky Blues cemented their status as top flight champions in the most unthinkable fashion on Sunday after coming back from 2-0 down at home to Aston Villa.

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Three goals in the space of five minutes late-on courtesy of an inspired Ilkay Gundogan (2) and long-distance specialist Rodri sealed Pep Guardiola’s fourth league title in five seasons whilst ending Liverpool’s hopes of a quadruple.

Ten years on from Sergio Aguero’s iconic 93:20 goal, a historic moment which clinched City’s first ever Premier League title, supporters witnessed a near-carbon copy of the drama with a relentless comeback at Eastlands.

Summing up the incredible mentality Guardiola has instilled in this squad and elite character, it’s easy to see why players from all over Europe would be attracted by a move to City.

The Latest: Aiwu eyes ‘dream’ City move…

Speaking to Kicker, Rapid Wien defender Emanuel Aiwu has now admitted that east Manchester is a ‘dream’ move as he aspires to one day play under Guardiola.

Waxing lyrical over the league-winners, he also states that City are his ‘favourite club’ as he eyes a move to England one day.

He explained:

“I think some leagues have their appeal, be it German, Italian, Spanish or French. For me personally, the Premier League is currently the most attractive because it is the most difficult. Every team has an enormously high quality. The pace and intensity are very high. We noticed for ourselves when we played West Ham how fast the pace was. My favourite club is Manchester City and my favourite player is Yaya Toure, he made me a fan. It would be a dream for me to wear this jersey one day.”

The Verdict: Get in line…

Reports have suggested that some big name players are also enticed by the possibility of joining City, most recently the likes of Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan) and in-demand attacking sensation Darwin Nunez (Benfica).

While competition to sign for Guardiola seems fierce, according to reports, Aiwu may well be a name to keep watch over given his real potential.

Football Talent Scout Jack Kulig has labelled the 21-year-old a ‘complete’ and ‘dominant’ centre-half with his manager Ferdinand Feldhofer certainly showing faith in him at Rapid.

According to WhoScored, Aiwu was a mainstay over the Austrian outfit’s Europa League campaign – playing the joint-most minutes alongside goalkeeper Paul Gartier.

In that time, he also managed the joint-second most interceptions per 90 (1.8) and even completed the third-highest rate of dribbles – impressive for a defender (WhoScored).

Given Aiwu has now confirmed his desire to one day join City, we believe sporting director Txiki Begiristain and co should keep on eye on his progress at the Allianz Stadion.

In other news: Pep blown away by ‘phenomenal’ £25m man as Man City become main bidders to sign him! Find out more here.

Newcastle United are reportedly now preparing a club-record ‘offer’ for Darwin Nunez this summer.

The Lowdown: Breakthrough season

Nunez really has broken onto the world stage this season, with no fewer than 34 goals and a further four assists in 41 games in total over all competitions so far (Transfermarkt).

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Dubbed an ‘absolute beast‘ by Liverpool podcaster Hari Sethi after an impressive performance in the UEFA Champions League against the now finalists, the Uruguay international seems destined for the big stage, and so it would not be a surprise if he ends up leaving Benfica in the summer.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘offer’

Taking to Twitter, journalist Bruno Andrade has revealed that the St. James’ Park faithful are now preparing an ‘offer’ of €70m (£59.6m) for Nunez, after scout Steve Nickson made an ‘approach’ back in December:

“Newcastle prepares offer of 70 million euros for Darwin Nunez. English club was one of the first to specifically approach Benfica, still in December, when Rui Costa received Steve Nickson, responsible for the Magpies scout. There are others interested in the Uruguayan in Europe.”

The Verdict: Statement signing

The newly-rich Magpies are expected to be busy this summer after securing their Premier League status, and Nunez could be the statement signing that they need in order to move them onto the next level of their project.

The price would comfortably surpass the club-record fee that they paid for Joelinton back in 2019, and show the rest of the top flight that they mean business.

Nonetheless, at just 22 years of age, Nunez has the potential to become one of the best in the world in his position, and so this is a deal worth keeping an eye out for.

In other news, find out who NUFC will now ‘listen to offers’ for here!

Tottenham Hotspur winger Steven Bergwijn is expected to leave the north London club in the summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

The Lowdown: Bergwijn’s January transfer saga

The 24-year-old was at the centre of a hectic transfer saga in January, with a move to Ajax appearing likely at one point but failing to materialise before the end of the window.

The Eredivisie giants made an initial £15m bid for the Netherlands international before later coming back in with an improved offer. However, Spurs were said to be holding out for a sum closer to the £27m that they paid for him two years prior.

Despite keeping hold of the attacker, Bergwijn has failed to start a single Premier League game since the January transfer window closed.

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The Latest: Bridge’s claim on Bergwijn

Bridge believes that it is very likely that Bergwijn will leave Tottenham in the coming months.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the Sky Sports reporter said of the 24-year-old: “I think he would be one of many where Tottenham go ‘we can get a few quid for him’.

“I would be shocked if he didn’t leave, whether it’s Ajax, I don’t know, but I would imagine that he would probably move on.”

The Verdict: Good squad option

With Tottenham still battling it out for Champions League qualification, Antonio Conte will likely be pondering over his squad options for next season.

Ranking in the 99th percentile for clearances and the 98th percentile for non-penalty expected goals for positional peers among Europe’s top five leagues (via FBRef), Bergwijn’s underlying stats illustrate why he is the perfect example of great squad player.

He has also shown an uncanny ability to make a telling impact off the bench, most notably with his match-winning stoppage-time brace against Leicester earlier this year, while his manager has previously said that the 24-year-old possesses “a lot of quality”.

However, if the Dutchman has his heart set on a move away from N17, then there probably isn’t much that Fabio Paratici can do to keep him in north London.

Therefore, Bergwijn’s expected departure would come as an unwelcome loss to Conte’s squad depth at Tottenham, if indeed it materialises this summer.

In other news: Noel Whelan drops Richarlison/Spurs transfer claim