Roberto De Zerbi is ready to turn down Manchester United and take the vacant Tottenham Hotspur job, according to the iPaper.
Spurs' search for a new manager after they decided to sack Thomas Frank on Wednesday coincided with the departure of the Italian at Marseille, and now their paths could collide.
The free-agent Italian has previously turned down the job at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but according to GIVEMESPORT sources, he is now willing to travel to London to speak to them about the project again given he could have more influence over recruitment following the departures of Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici in recent months.
De Zerbi Sees Tottenham Job as 'Next Logical Step'
Sources close to De Zerbi are said to have told the iPaper that the 46-year-old is interested in taking over from Frank in north London, and sees the Spurs job as the 'next logical step' in his management career following his exit from Marseille.
Despite his exit only happening in the last 48 hours, the Italian is said to be ready to get straight back to work, and potentially at Tottenham, as they look to avoid being sucked further into a Premier League relegation battle.
Their defeat at home to Newcastle United on Tuesday night, which spelt the end for Frank, means Spurs lie just two spots and five points above the bottom three with 12 games to play.
According to GIVEMESPORT sources, Manchester United have an interest in appointing De Zerbi in the summer, while Manchester City could include him on their shortlist too when Pep Guardiola eventually leaves the Etihad.
However, the 'unique' coach is ready to reject the former and take another job at Tottenham with their ability to move for him quickly set to scupper United's plans.
De Zerbi Could be Exactly What Tottenham Need
Not only does De Zerbi play the exciting, attacking football that Tottenham fans will be craving after an underwhelming campaign under Frank, but he also offers other attractive traits too.
Brighton fans loved the Italian's passion and he does have the character to unite a whole club and the relationship between supporters and players, which has been fractured this season.
A manager capable of pulling together a fractured squad who are low on confidence could be just what Tottenham need right now, despite the temptation of waiting until after the World Cup to re-appoint USA manager Mauricio Pochettino.