Tottenham are moving early in the market and the first signs of Roberto De Zerbi's summer are coming from defence. Deals for Marcos Senesi and Andrew Robertson should be confirmed in a few weeks when their contracts at their respective clubs are concluded, while talks with Jan Paul van Hecke continue after an initial bid was rejected. This is not being run like a club waiting for August to decide everything.

Defensive targets are leading the rebuild

Michael Bridge said: "That rebuild is well under way."

The direction of travel backs that up. Tottenham conceded 57 league goals, finished 17th and ended on 38 points, so the first job is obvious enough. They need more control at the back, and the recruitment list reflects that. Senesi and Robertson sit alongside the Van Hecke pursuit, which gives the summer a practical starting point rather than a vague reset.

Johan Lange and De Zerbi are also dealing with a squad that looks set to change. Radu Drăguşin wants first-team football and a move away this summer is considered possible because Tottenham will have no European football. Cristian Romero's future is being questioned too, even though he signed a contract extension last season. Some feel this summer could be the right time to move him on if a suitable offer arrives.

Why the squad picture is already shifting

There is also a debate over Cristian Romero and Radu Drăguşin that points to a bigger clear-out, not just one or two additions. On Vuskovic, the split is clear. Some want him integrated into the first-team squad, while others think one more loan would do him good in the long run.

De Zerbi has not hidden the mood around the club either. "I understand the fans' anger 100 per cent," he said. That kind of line usually gets thrown out after a rough patch, but here it fits the scale of the job. Tottenham are not being sold a quick fix. They are being told the rebuild has started, and the early evidence is that it begins with defenders and difficult calls.

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