Roberto De Zerbi has new Mateus Fernandes plan amid Tottenham whispers

Roberto De Zerbi is set to give Mateus Fernandes more opportunities in Tottenham's starting eleven as the season progresses, sources have told Football Insider.

Fernandes is yet to justify his lofty £85million transfer fee since joining Tottenham from West Ham.

The North London club raised eyebrows across football when they splashed out such a figure on a Championship-bound player in July.

Fernandes, 22, has found himself stuck down De Zerbi's midfield pecking order and was substituted off at half-time on his last Premier League start in September.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, his recent exile from the side is purely form-related, and Spurs are still planning for him to become a regular starter in the coming months.

De Zerbi is yet to find his best starting eleven following a busy summer at Spurs that saw the club fork out over £330m on new players.

Mateus Fernandes faces bright future at Spurs despite tough start

Fernandes was impressive in his sole season at West Ham, ultimately receiving a nomination for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award despite their relegation.

He is yet to display such form in a white shirt, but the club view him as a long-term project signing rather than someone who can fire the club to glory by himself.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I don't think there are any internal concerns about the move or anything like that from either the player or the club, and I think it's just a matter of time before he will work his way to getting a regular run in the side.

"It's up to him to impress Roberto De Zerbi in training and also, when he does get opportunities in the side, to stake a claim for a regular starting place."

Ben Davies in line for new Tottenham contract

Davies is at a different stage of his career and has also found it tough to feature regularly under De Zerbi so far.

The Wales captain is into his 13th season at Spurs and will soon be approaching the end of his contract after signing a new one-year deal in the summer.

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that De Zerbi would be keen to see Davies offered another contract as he values his leadership and experience in the dressing room.

The 33-year-old defender has scored on both of his competitive outings so far this season.