Roberto De Zerbi wants to bring an experienced Serie A star to Tottenham, but the Lilywhites have just received some bad news in their pursuit of the player.The Tottenham boss’s focus for the moment will be on ensuring that the Lilywhites stay in the Premier League.Spurs certainly have their work cut out to achieve that goal, given that they are two points adrift of West Ham in 17th with six league matches left to go this season. Position Team Played MP Won W Drawn D Lost L For GF Against GA Diff GD Points Pts 16 Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest32 8 9 15 32 44 -12 33 17 West HamWest Ham32 8 8 16 40 57 -17 32 18 TottenhamTottenham32 7 9 16 40 51 -11 30 19 BurnleyBurnley32 4 8 20 33 63 -30 20 20 WolvesWolves32 3 8 21 24 58 -34 17 However, it has emerged that De Zerbi, who has been handed plenty of power in Tottenham’s squad building this summer, has already held some discussions with the club’s hierarchy regarding the club’s summer targets.Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Quality Sport Images/Getty ImagesTottenham and Roberto De Zerbir receive Manuel Locatelli transfer blowIt was reported by CalcioMercato two weeks ago that Manuel Locatelli has been added to Tottenham’s summer shopping list at the behest of De Zerbi.The Spurs head coach has worked with the 28-year-old at Sassuolo in the past, and it was suggested that he is keen to reunite with the player at Spurs, as Juve were considering the midfielder’s sale.However, Fabrizio Romano has now taken to social media to reveal that Juventus have had a change of heart regarding Locatelli.The journalist stated that the Biacnoneri are now in advanced talks with the Italian international over a new contract.🚨⚪️⚫️ Juventus are in advanced talks to get new deal done for Manuel Locatelli. 🔜📲🇮🇹 Tutti gli aggiornamenti anche sul canale WhatsApp: https://t.co/PNQFZ430rc pic.twitter.com/TAhI8hICBe— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 14, 2026 Spurs continuing to vie for dream midfield targetLocatelli may not be Tottenham’s top midfield target this summer, with that distinction being occupied by an England international.According to various reports, Spurs view Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton as their dream midfield addition this summer.Just a few days ago, The Daily Mail claimed that Tottenham are continuing to compete with top Premier League clubs for Wharton, who would be allowed to leave Crystal Palace for £65m this summer.READ MORE: Tottenham’s Crysencio Summerville dream just got harder for two big reasonsThe post Tottenham receive bitter transfer blow in pursuit of Roberto De Zerbi's top target, Fabrizio Romano appeared first on Spurs Web.