Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi is hoping to raid former club Brighton as he looks to spearhead a massive summer rebuild in north London.
According to a report by The Independent, Seagulls trio Carlos Baleba, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Bart Verbruggen are at the very top of the Italian’s transfer shortlist.
Spurs secured Premier League survival on the final day of the season following De Zerbi’s “Hail Mary” appointment in April, and the club hierarchy are now fully prepared to back him heavily in the upcoming window.
He is said to be determined to sign players who can instantly perform his demanding tactical style and apparently views his former Brighton contingent as ideal recruits to transform the squad.
Midfielder Baleba is expected to be the most complicated deal to pull off, with Brighton holding out for a fee in excess of £100m amid intense competition from Manchester United.
De Zerbi is also intent on bringing in a new goalkeeper, meaning a move for Verbruggen is on the cards despite the recent heroics of Antonin Kinsky in the Tottenham goal.
The Independent also say Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi is being monitored alongside Van Hecke to bolster the backline, while Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford are also under consideration.