---
title: "Tottenham News Today: Vuskovic update, Keita linked and ‘genius’ De Zerbi claim"
canonical: "https://readtottenham.com/2026/05/06/tottenham-news-today-vuskovic-update-keita-linked-and-genius-de-zerbi-claim/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Vishal Subramanian"
section: "Tottenham News"
published: "2026-05-06T12:59:16Z"
modified: "2026-05-06T12:59:21Z"
---

# Tottenham News Today: Vuskovic update, Keita linked and ‘genius’ De Zerbi claim

At a glance:

- Tottenham want to renew Luka Vuskovic’s contract
- Lilywhites linked with Mandela Keita
- Carlton Cole hails genius De Zerbi decision

**After their morale-boosting 2-1 win against Aston Villa, things are slowly starting to look up for Tottenham.**

They don’t play again in the Premier League until next Monday when they take on Leeds United at home.

However, in the meantime, there have been a handful of developments in terms of their players and potential transfer targets.

## Tottenham want Mandela Keita from Parma

Roberto De Zerbi is likely to sign a midfielder or two in the summer transfer window.

Joao Palhinha’s future remains unclear as his loan spell edges closer to completion.

On the other hand, Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr have been linked with Tottenham departures, which could open up a spot or two.

[Reports from Italy claim Tottenham want to sign Mandela Keita](https://readtottenham.com/2026/05/06/transfer-rumours-tottenham-leading-race-for-midfielder-mandela-keita-bidding-war/), who is currently plying his trade with Parma.

The 23-year-old midfielder has also been capped by Belgium and could well be heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

## Luka Vuskovic going nowhere

Luka Vuskovic’s reputation has soared this season due to his performances for Hamburg and the Croatian national football team.

A handful of clubs across Europe are interested in signing him, which isn’t a surprise as he is one of the brightest young defenders on the planet.

> 🚨[#thfc](https://twitter.com/hashtag/thfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) are ready to offer a new long-term contract to Luka Vuskovic in a bid to fend of interest from Europe’s elite. [@TomBarclay\_](https://twitter.com/TomBarclay_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/KCXyXdp4NO](https://t.co/KCXyXdp4NO)
>
> — Lilywhite Rose (@Lilywhite\_Rose) [May 5, 2026](https://twitter.com/Lilywhite_Rose/status/2051635608791986304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

However, [Tottenham want to give Vuskovic a bumper new deal](https://readtottenham.com/2026/05/06/barcelona-make-move-to-sign-tottenham-player-roberto-de-zerbi-is-desperate-to-keep/) to tie him down at the club. Currently, Vuskovic is on a basic salary, so the North London side want to course correct to make sure it reflects his position within the club.

De Zerbi would certainly love to work with the Croatian wonderkid; make no mistake.

## ‘Genius’ Van de Ven decision

The 2025-26 campaign has proved to be a difficult one for everyone associated with Tottenham Hotspur.

And Micky van de Ven has certainly come under the spotlight, especially since the turn of the year.

His commitment has been questioned and it goes without saying that he has looked uncharacteristically sloppy, giving away a few cheap goals.

[Drama in the Title Race, Spurs' Revival Continues and Carlton’s Quiz Time! (embedded)](https://www.youtube.com/embed/MXMUFC8Hzmc?feature=oembed)

However, in Cristian Romero’s injury absence, Van de Ven has continued to captain Tottenham.

And speaking on the Dressing Room Podcast, Carlton Cole feels it has proved to be an inspired decision from De Zerbi.

He said: “I think it was a stroke of genius giving Van de Ven the captaincy, because he looked like he was never happy.

“Now, and we know he’s a good player, now he’s the captain of Spurs; if he’s the captain that keeps us up, that’s a massive thing. They’re all at it at the moment.”

​