Published Jun 4, 2026, 1:35 PM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years.

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to clinch his first job in journalism at Snack Media, now Valnet.

Emilio has written for a host of the company's biggest past and current football news websites - Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast. 

Emilio's strengths include the intricacies of football transfers, while he particularly enjoys writing about the business side of football. He has covered Tottenham Hotspur on a weekly basis for a number of years now, developing a deep understanding of the culture and what Lilywhites fans engage with.

In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

Spurs have made their move for the Netherlands international, but their opening bid was rejected by Brighton, who remain determined to maximise any fee for one of their most important players.

Reports from David Ornstein, Sky Sports and The Telegraph this week have all indicated that discussions between the clubs are ongoing, with Tottenham hoping a compromise can eventually be reached.

Van Hecke has emerged as a priority target for De Zerbi, who knows the defender well from their time together on the south coast.

Alongside those talks, Spurs have move forward with defensive business elsewhere.

Reports in recent weeks have indicated that Tottenham are closing in on free transfers for both Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi as they continue strengthening the left side of their defence.

While neither move has yet been formally announced, both players are expected to play a role in De Zerbi's plans next season after the Lilywhites avoided relegation to the Championship.

With defensive recruitment well underway, Tottenham's attention is also increasingly turning towards attacking reinforcements.

Tottenham debate opening Savinho bid amid van Hecke talks

According to Sky Sports, Spurs are considering a potentially imminent opening bid for Man City winger Savinho, with a direct approach to the Premier League runners-up potentially arriving within the next few days.

The broadcast giant suggests Tottenham's interest is becoming increasingly serious as they assess options capable of adding more pace, creativity and unpredictability to their attack.

Savinho has been linked with Spurs since last summer and remains one of the most intriguing names on the club's shortlist.

The Brazilian joined City in 2024 after seriously impressing at Girona on loan from Troyes, and signed a new contract with the club in 2025 right after a lengthy transfer saga involving Tottenham.

That deal strengthened City's position and means any transfer would likely require a substantial fee.

Recent reports have suggested a package in the region of £60 million could be required to tempt City into negotiations.

Despite that valuation, Tottenham appear undeterred.

The player has repeatedly been linked with a reunion with De Zerbi, and several reports this week have suggested Savinho is enthusiastic about the prospect of working under the Spurs boss.

His ability to play on either flank, beat defenders one-on-one and create chances from wide areas makes him an attractive option as Tottenham look to improve their attacking output.

The fact Sky Sports are now reporting that an opening bid is being considered suggests Tottenham could formally move sooner rather than later.

For De Zerbi, Savinho represents the type of dynamic attacking talent capable of seriously upgrading a forward line, and his arrival would be a real boost given Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus' long-term injuries.

With Van Hecke negotiations continuing, Robertson and Senesi edging closer, and Savinho potentially coming through the door already, Tottenham's summer rebuild is entering a critical stage.