Roberto De Zerbi unsure if Richarlison has future at Tottenham

Richarlison has reportedly been involved in a dispute with Tottenham over the final nine months of his contract, with the 29-year-old looking for a way out of north London.

A proposed return to former club Everton fell through before the Premier League transfer deadline on September 1, while Brazilian side Vasco da Gama have also opened talks over a possible move.

Vasco's director of football Admar Lopes has confirmed the club is discussing a deal for Richarlison, with the Brazilian transfer window closing on Friday.

Richarlison is understood to favour a loan move to Vasco before reviewing his situation in January. Tottenham, however, would reportedly prefer a permanent transfer.

The forward has not played for Spurs since their 3-0 defeat at Brentford on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. He was subsequently left out of Tottenham's 25-man squad for the top-flight campaign.

Asked whether Richarlison could return to the first-team picture, De Zerbi said: "I don't know. It's not my job.

"What I can say is I know very well what the club has done for Richarlison and I know very well what Richarlison has done for the club in the last month, two months.

"I know, the club knows, he knows, his agent knows. Everyone knows better than you (the media). Much better."

Richarlison's absence comes as Tottenham struggle for results, with De Zerbi's side still searching for their first Premier League win and goal of the season ahead of Saturday's home game against Everton.

Despite the difficult start, De Zerbi remains convinced his squad can improve.

"I think we are better than last season," he said. "It's difficult to believe right now because we are not winning, we are not scoring, but I'm positive.

"I believe in my players, I believe in this group of players. I think the players have big qualities, big potential, and now I'm positive."