Tottenham have been given a boost in their chase for a Man City player, with the star keen to join regardless of whether they're relegated.
De Zerbi set for Tottenham debut against Sunderland
Roberto De Zerbi takes charge of Tottenham for the first time on Sunday when Spurs make the trip to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland.
The Italian signed a five-year deal last month and is walking into a side that have gone without a Premier League win all calendar year, picking up five draws and eight defeats in that run.
Spurs sit 17th in the table, one point above the drop zone, with only six games remaining after this weekend.
The north Londoners could find themselves in the relegation places at kick-off, depending on Friday's result between West Ham and Wolves.
De Zerbi has spoken publicly about taking the situation game by game and has already made a strong early impression, with players returning from his first training session with glowing feedback, describing the work as "outstanding".
Whatever the outcome in the North East, planning for the summer is already underway.
De Zerbi has committed to the club regardless of which division they find themselves in next season, and the hierarchy are moving quickly to back him in the market.
One of his potential targets is City's James Trafford, with the goalkeeper desperate for more playing time after being given a supporting role behind Gianluigi Donnarumma this season.
James Trafford keen to join Tottenham regardless of relegation
According to TEAMtalk today, one of the first areas being addressed at Spurs this summer is the goalkeeping position.
Tottenham are also pushing to sign Trafford, with the 23-year-old identified as a key target as De Zerbi sets about his squad rebuild.
Trafford came through the City academy system before moving to Burnley and was subsequently re-signed by the club, but with Donnarumma established as City's undisputed number one, Trafford's opportunities at the Etihad have been limited.
The Englishman wants regular first-team football at the highest level, and Tottenham are willing to offer him that platform.
Guglielmo Vicario has struggled for consistency in goal for Spurs this season, and the ex-Empoli star is believed to be in pole position to join Inter Milan as their new number one for next season.
What makes this story particularly notable is the level of Trafford's commitment to the move.
TEAMtalk say that Trafford would be prepared to join Tottenham even if they are relegated — a stance that reflects both his confidence in De Zerbi's project and his desire for a guaranteed starting role over the coming years.
That willingness to drop a division is not something a player of his profile commits to lightly, and it gives the deal a realistic chance of happening whichever way the next six weeks go.
De Zerbi is described as a genuine admirer of Trafford, and the move fits with the club's stated strategy of investing in young British talent as they look to build for the long term.