Roberto De Zerbi has scheduled talks with Lucas Bergvall but insists the door is open for any player wanting to leave Tottenham.
The Sweden international has informed Tottenham chiefs of his desire to find a new club this summer after failing to hold down a spot in the starting XI.
Bergvall, who represented Sweden at the World Cup, has cut short his summer break to join his Spurs teammates on the club’s pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand.
However, his future remains uncertain with five weeks remaining in the transfer window.
Speaking at his first press conference in Auckland, De Zerbi made his stance clear on players who may be plotting a future away from the club.
“Listen, I was very clear at the start of my time in Tottenham. I said ‘Who doesn’t want to stay in Tottenham, who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave,’” the Italian told reporters.
“I want proud players who are happy to stay here and to go on the pitch at Tottenham Stadium with a big motivation.
“If you think also in the World Cup, the motivation makes the difference. The motivation is to be happy to stay in one team.”
Planned talks
Asked specifically about Bergvall’s future, he added: “I have not spoken with Lucas yet, I will in the next days.
“We will make the best decision for the club, for Lucas, for me, for every one of us. Without problems, Lucas is a big, big talent.
“There will be a big competition to play because at the end I think we will have two players for each position.
“If he wants to stay, I will be happy. Otherwise, we have to find a new solution with Johan Lange, with Vinai (Venkatesham). It’s not my business after the decision to leave (if that happens).
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There has been plenty of Premier League interest in Bergvall this summer.
Nottingham Forest made their intentions known but saw their advances rebuffed.
Newcastle went a step further by tabling a £46million offer for the 20-year-old only to see their bid rejected.
It remains to be seen whether Bergvall will secure a move away from Tottenham before deadline day with Spurs holding out for £50m for the Swede.
De Zerbi to prioritise his attack
Elsewhere, De Zerbi revealed that focus would be switched to bolstering his attack ahead of the new season.
Spurs have been active in the transfer market with the signings of defenders Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson.
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De Zerbi has also strengthened his midfield options after landing Sandro Tonali and Matheus Fernandes for a combined £185m.
And now the Italian has confirmed that he is on the look out for attacking reinforcements.
“The target now is to complete the attacking positions,” he said.
“We want the first target, the first level, because we have already important players.
“But I think to start a new project we need another couple of important players for sure.”
Tottenham’s two-game tour sees them take on Auckland FC at 4am on Sunday morning (UK time).
They then head to Australia to play Sydney FC on Wednesday morning at 10.45am (UK time).
