Nottingham Forest are expected to return with an improved bid for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall after their first proposal of £38 million was turned down earlier this month.
Where things stand
The 20-year-old Sweden international, who was part of his national side at last winter’s World Cup, is understood to be unsettled at Spurs following limited game time under manager Roberto De Zerbi. The player made just one start and accumulated 112 minutes of playing time after De Zerbi took charge in March.
Forest are working to strengthen the squad for new head coach Oliver Glasner and sources indicate a fresh offer in the region of £45m is being prepared.
De Zerbi’s position
De Zerbi, whose squad includes Bergvall among a 35‑player touring party in New Zealand and Australia, has suggested that players who are unhappy at Tottenham should move on. He told reporters he would discuss the matter with the player before a decision is made.
“Listen, I was very clear at the start of my time in Tottenham. I said, 'Who doesn't want to stay in Tottenham, who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave'.
He added that Bergvall remains highly rated within the club and that competition for places will be fierce: “Without problems, Lucas is a big, big talent. There will be a big competition to play because at the end I think we will be two players for each position.”
Potential impact for Forest
If Forest succeed, they would be investing heavily in youth as they seek to boost midfield options ahead of the new campaign. The move would represent one of the club’s more significant transfers in recent windows and underline their intent under Glasner.
- Player: Lucas Bergvall
- Age: 20
- Initial bid from Forest: £38m (rejected)
- Reported next offer: ~£45m
- Playing time since March: 112 minutes, one start
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Squad status | Included in Spurs' 35-man pre-season tour party |
| International experience | Represented Sweden at the World Cup |
Any transfer will require agreement between the clubs and the player. Tottenham’s sporting director and chief executive were noted as parties who would need to work on a possible solution should Bergvall choose to depart.
For Forest supporters, a successful negotiation would add a young, high-potential midfielder to Oliver Glasner’s squad and signal the club’s willingness to compete in the transfer market this summer.
