Roberto De Zerbi’s tenure in charge of Tottenham Hotspur got off to a dismal start as they were beaten 1-0 by Sunderland on Sunday.
After a goalless first-half, Nordi Mukiele’s goal put the Black Cats in front at The Stadium of Light, and the hosts held on to secure all three points.
Spurs had started the match in the relegation zone following West Ham United’s win over Wolves on Friday night, and they remain in 18th place after this defeat.
Next up for the Lilywhites is another home game, against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.
In the meantime, though, it is emerging that the north London side are interested in a La Liga star.
As reported by Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, via TEAMtalk, Tottenham are interested in Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado, who could be available this summer.
Casado has emerged as a target for Tottenham (Photo: ZUMA/Alamy)
Casado, 22, joined Barcelona’s La Masia academy as a youngster and has since progressed into the first team at the Camp Nou.
In total he has made more than 70 appearances for the Catalan giants across all competitions, but he has started just nine La Liga games so far this term.
The report suggests that the midfielder has also attracted interest from Spurs’ relegation rivals West Ham, as well as La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid.
It is claimed, though, that Casado is likely to receive the most significant interest from clubs in the lucrative Saudi Pro League.
The Saudi Pro League are prepared to offer as much as £34.9 million to sign the player, the report claims, and Barcelona could choose to cash in on a player that is not a regular starter in Hansi Flick’s side.
Casado’s contract with Barcelona is set to expire at the end of the 2027/28 campaign.