Tottenham have been given a managerial boost after news that a trophy-winning boss is interested in replacing Thomas Frank.
Spurs begin manager hunt after Thomas Frank sacking
Spurs' desperate managerial hunt has accelerated in the last 24 hours following Frank's brutal sacking, with Roberto De Zerbi emerging as a potential frontrunner ahead of beloved former boss Mauricio Pochettino.
The north London outfit pulled the trigger on Frank's disastrous eight-month reign after Wednesday morning crisis talks, leaving Spurs scrambling to identify a successor capable of dragging them clear of relegation catastrophe.
Currently languishing in sixteenth, just five points above the Championship trapdoor, Tottenham face their biggest crisis in decades with a crucial north London derby clash against Arsenal looming on February 22.
De Zerbi has reportedly catapulted into pole position after leaving Marseille by mutual consent on Wednesday, timing which has sparked immediate speculation.
The Italian, who dazzled during his Brighton tenure with swashbuckling attacking football, is now a free agent and readily available for hire.
However, Pochettino remains supporters' dream candidate following emotional chants during Tuesday's Newcastle humiliation.
Media sources reveal the Argentine "would walk back" if approached, but complications surround his USA national team commitments extending through summer's World Cup.
The Telegraph confirms senior Tottenham figures harbour genuine belief Pochettino could restore desperately-needed identity, energy and unity, yet acquiring him before the tournament's conclusion appears impossible.
Members of the Lewis family are also championing a return to Tottenham for Pochetttino, but as things stand, they'll be made to wait until deep into the summer.
Tottenham's powerbrokers face agonising decisions with players granted another four days off until Monday training resumes next week.
If they go down the permanent route, De Zerbi is the most freely available, leaving little wonder reports are heavily tipping him for the role.
De Zerbi ready to join Tottenham over Man United
Now, a report by the ipaper says that De Zerbi is ready to join Tottenham over Man United, and he's interested in the now-vacant N17 role.
What's more, the 46-year-old, who won the Ukranian Super Cup during his time at Shakhtar Donetsk, sees Spurs as the 'next logical step' in his career — further fueling suggestions that a move for De Zerbi could be on the cards.
If Tottenham do opt for the ex-Brighton and Sassuolo boss, insider Paul O'Keefe has also reported that the club will likely offer De Zerbi a three-plus year contract.
De Zerbi's volatile personality represents Tottenham's biggest concern despite his undeniable tactical credentials.
His Marseille departure reportedly followed explosive dressing room confrontations, most notably ordering Leonardo Balerdi out whilst cameras captured the humiliating incident.
His demand for absolute control over transfers and ruthless man-management style could clash catastrophically with Tottenham's already fractious squad battling a confidence crisis.
Throwing such a combustible character into relegation warfare feels dangerously chaotic when stability desperately needs restoring.
Brighton thrived under De Zerbi's intensity, but Spurs' fragile dressing room, featuring 11 injury casualties and plummeting morale, might buckle rather than flourish under his uncompromising methods.