Boss Roberto De Zerbi has made clear he wants Nottingham Forest target Lucas Bergvall to stay at Tottenham Hotspur.
The Sweden international is wanted by the Reds as they look to strengthen Oliver Glasner’s squad for the new season. They have already had a £38 million bid for him rejected but are expected to maintain their pursuit.
Bergvall is understood to be attracted by a potential move to the City Ground, having reportedly informed Spurs of his desire to move on. Speaking after the 20-year-old started a pre-season game against Sydney FC on Wednesday, De Zerbi dismissed suggestions the midfielder had asked to leave the club but insisted he must have the “right spirit” to stay.
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“I’m always being very clear with him and with you. I would like that he stays with us,” De Zerbi said. “I think he’s potentially a top, top, top player, but then I don’t want to convince anyone to stay.”
Bergvall is believed to be concerned about a potential lack of game time in the capital this coming season. He struggled for minutes after De Zerbi took charge in March and is facing increased competition for a place in the team due to Tottenham strengthening their midfield options this summer.
“Tottenham is already, without me, a top club and we are not to convince anyone to stay. He can find the space if he stays with us,” De Zerbi continued.
“The competition within the players will be very strong because we are Tottenham and we have to build a strong squad. Not just 11 players.
“It’s very clear, his idea. He wants space. He wants to play as a double pivot as a position. I can’t give, for any player in the world, the place in the first XI guaranteed, especially for me, I want to be honest with the players. I want to be clear.”
De Zerbi added: “I am speaking with (Bergvall) before the end of the last season, during the World Cup two times but now we are speaking better, face to face, without a competition in this moment.
“I would like that he stays. I would like that he stays, but if he doesn’t want, then what can I do? Nothing.
“He has to speak with Vinai (Venkatesham, chief executive) or Johan Lange (sporting director). To stay with us, we have to have the right spirit to stay. He’s a good guy. We will see in the next weeks.”
Newcastle have also been linked with Bergvall. Asked if the player had expressed a desire to leave, De Zerbi replied: “No, never.”
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