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Richarlison is one of three Tottenham players who have told the club they want to leave, manager Roberto De Zerbi has disclosed.

Richarlison was not included in the Spurs squad for Saturday evening’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United after starting in last weekend’s 3-0 loss at Brentford.

Speaking after the match, De Zerbi said the Brazil forward had asked to move on, and he also named defender Kevin Danso and midfielder Pape Matar Sarr as the other two players looking to depart.

“Richarlison, he said too many times that he wanted to leave,” De Zerbi said. “Danso came to me two days ago and said he wanted to leave. Sarr the same, but he also suffered a small injury, but he is almost ready to train.

“I love these players and these are great guys. I have very good relationships. But if they want to leave they have to bring the economic solution to the club and they can go, and we’ll find other players.”

Spurs have spent about £300m on transfers this summer as they try to transform their fortunes on the pitch after finishing 17th last season.

The club are still in the market for further additions before Tuesday’s deadline, but they now look set to miss out on leading target Cody Gakpo, the Liverpool and Netherlands winger, who has been widely reported as being close to an £85m move to Manchester City.

Richarlison is among the players who have asked to leave.

De Zerbi added: “If I was positive last season when we were in the Championship, because when I came (in March) we were in the Championship, what do you think my thoughts now could be?

“I’m sorry for the fans, for the environment because after two defeats, maybe somebody can think it’s the same story, the same as the last two seasons. I have no doubt it’s not like this. I can’t change my opinion after two defeats. I have a big, big confidence in the qualities of my players.

“I’m sorry for the club, because they are building a great squad but maybe now we are not ready yet, for many, many reasons.

“Today, I think, until the first goal, we played better than Newcastle. It’s the biggest problem, it’s the biggest challenge and it’s the biggest target to find the right mentality. Unfortunately, you can’t buy the mentality in the transfer market or putting many players inside.

“Football is like a magic thing, you know? You can change many players in a window, in one window of transfer market and you can find the balance immediately or you need more time.

“I think we (will) achieve this target and this goal. I would like to achieve this target quickly and as soon as possible because it is crucial to play football, but the plan and the project of the club and what we are doing to build and rebuild a new team with great players is a great plan and a great project.”

Spurs’ next match is away to Nottingham Forest on Saturday 5 September.