Tottenham Hotspur's bid to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as their manager immediately has prompted a Monday evening update from Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas.
GIVEMESPORT sources revealed previously that the Italian was Spurs' top choice to replace Igor Tudor, above former boss Maurucio Pochettino, after he departed the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday by mutual consent.
The north Londoners decided they needed to take another route just 44 days into the Croat's reign, with a run of one point from a possible 15 leaving them just a single point above the Premier League relegation zone with seven matches of the campaign remaining.
Tottenham are in desperate need of an upturn in performances and results among a squad of players who haven't tasted success in the league since they beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on December 28, 2025.
Spurs could find themselves in the bottom three by the next time they play, with 18th-placed West Ham United hosting rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers at the London Stadium a week on Friday.
Tottenham Talks to Hire De Zerbi 'Progressing Well'
As per Thomas, posting on X on Monday evening, according to sources close to negotiations between Tottenham and the Italian manager, things are progressing well towards his appointment in north London.
GIVEMESPORT sources revealed on Monday lunchtime that Spurs were closing in on the appointment of De Zerbi after offering him a five-year deal that will make him the Premier League's third best-paid manager behind Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Arsenal chief Mikel Arteta.
The breakthrough came just days after the 46-year-old had told Tottenham he was only interested in taking the role on in the summer, but now the lucrative offer has made him more open to a switch to north London now to save the club from the drop.
De Zerbi to Tottenham Comes With Its Risks
While Tottenham are now optimistic of appointing their number one target on a long-term deal, according to GMS sources, the move won't come without its risks.
De Zerbi has a distinct style of play that could take some time for the players to pick up, should he intend to use it in the remaining weeks of the season.
Spurs will want the Italian at Hotspur Way as quickly as possible so he can start working with the players ahead of the trip to Sunderland on April 12, implementing his methods and getting the players onside and confident.
De Zerbi failed to win any of his first five matches in charge at Brighton and Hove Albion previously, and will know he can't afford to repeat that given the precarious situation Tottenham find themselves in.
In addition, there have been objections off the field too, with supporters' groups unhappy with De Zerbi comments on Mason Greenwood and how he supported his career rebuild at Marseille following his controversial exit from Manchester United.