Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has expressed a desire to keep Djed Spence at the club, telling the England right-back he is part of his plans for the season ahead — even as the 25-year-old attracts interest from Inter Milan and Everton.

Spence, who signed a long-term contract at Spurs last year, made 23 starts in 30 Premier League appearances as Tottenham finished 17th — their second successive season in that position — before narrowly escaping relegation on the final day.

De Zerbi drew a direct parallel with comments he made a day earlier about Sweden midfielder Lucas Bergvall, another player whose future has been the subject of speculation.

"I repeat what I said to Djed, and to Lucas. I would like you to stay if you want to stay. If you don't want to stay, if you want to leave, then you have to leave," De Zerbi said.

The Spurs manager acknowledged that competition for Spence's preferred right-back position is fierce. Pedro Porro, the Spain World Cup winner, currently occupies that role, and De Zerbi has described Porro as the "best in the world" in his position.

A summer of record spending

Tottenham have invested a club-record £237m this summer as De Zerbi reshapes the squad. Earlier this month, they broke their transfer record twice within 48 hours — signing midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United for £85m before securing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United for £100m.

Defender Jan Paul van Hecke has also arrived from Brighton & Hove Albion in a £52m deal, while Marcos Senesi, Andrew Robertson, and Martin Dubravka joined on free transfers.

Captain Cristian Romero is among those expected to depart. De Zerbi defended Romero against criticism stemming from the Argentine's decision to fly home while injured ahead of Spurs' final match of last season — a game Romero ultimately returned for. The manager said Romero had shown "unbelievable behaviour" throughout his time at the club, while accepting the defender's desire to move on.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is also likely to leave after losing his place to Antonin Kinsky.

Another 'bomba' on the way

Speaking in Sydney, De Zerbi confirmed Tottenham are pursuing further attacking reinforcements alongside their interest in Manchester City winger Savinho, describing the Brazilian as part of an advanced search for more firepower.

"The transfer market is not finished for sure, but we have completed 60% of our project. Now we have another 'bomba'," De Zerbi said.

When pressed on whether the mystery target is a winger or a striker, De Zerbi replied simply: "Attackers." He added that Spurs need to "increase the number of goals" and that he has been like a "shark" in the transfer market this summer.

Potential candidates, according to speculation, include Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola — valued at more than £140m — Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, who carries a £40m release clause, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, Chelsea winger Pedro Neto, and AC Milan winger Rafael Leao. However, no approach has been confirmed by Spurs or any of the clubs involved.