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Newcastle United will be keeping a close watch after the future of one of their major transfer targets was discussed by his manager following a pre-season friendly.

The Magpies have repeatedly been linked with Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall, who is currently in Australia with Spurs and featured in their warm-up match against A-League club Sydney FC.

Spurs have brought in midfielders Matheus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali for a combined fee of around £185 million, putting the 20-year-old’s position in the side under real pressure.

Sweden midfielder Bergvall is believed to have told Spurs that he wants to leave, with Newcastle seen as a possible destination following Tonali’s departure and the continuing uncertainty surrounding captain Bruno Guimaraes’ future.

Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi spoke openly about Bergvall’s situation after the match in Sydney, as reported by Nazaar Kinsella for BBC Sport. The Italian has already been impressed by the player, but he has made no attempt to hide that the club’s needs may not match the midfielder’s expectations this summer.

“I would like that he stays with us,” said the Spurs boss. “I think he's potentially a top, top, top player. But then I don't want to convince anyone to stay. Tottenham is already, without me, a top club and we are not to convince anyone to stay.

“He can find the space if he stays with us. The competition within the players will be very strong because we are Tottenham and we have to build a strong squad - not just 11 players - especially considering a lot of injuries we suffered in the last two, three seasons.

“He wants space. He wants to play as a double pivot as a position. I can't give, for any player in the world, the place in the first XI guaranteed. I want to be honest with the players. I want to be clear. I don't want to make the first mistake. In terms of position, I can't give guarantee.”

Spurs acted swiftly to provide De Zerbi with new signings capable of supporting improvement on the pitch after back-to-back 17th-place finishes in the Premier League and two campaigns spent much closer to relegation trouble than expected, even though a Europa League triumph and a respectable Champions League run were also part of that period.

Along with Tonali and Fernandes, Spurs have also signed high-value defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion, while Marcos Senesi has arrived on a free transfer from Bournemouth, Andy Robertson has joined from Liverpool on a free, and Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has also been recruited on a free transfer.

With greater squad depth and a stronger first-choice midfield now in place, Bergvall’s long-term future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium does not appear especially promising despite De Zerbi’s encouraging comments.

If Bergvall does complete a move to St James’ Park, he could return to face Spurs before the end of next month.

Tottenham’s first home game of the season is scheduled against the Magpies on Saturday, August 29.