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Jamie O’Hara has told Roberto De Zerbi what three things must be done to guarantee Tottenham’s Premier League status, and one under-used Spurs player is critical to those hopes.

De Zerbi is the man Tottenham have turned to to embark on a bright new chapter, though his initial remit is to simply avoid relegation.

While dropping a division may still be unthinkable to some, it’s important to note Spurs haven’t won a single league game in 2026.

Their record in the calendar year so far reads zero wins, five draws and eight defeats. Six of those losses have come in Tottenham’s last seven games, over which the club are on the wrong end of an eye-opening 17-5 aggregate scoreline.

Clearly, Tottenham are a genuine contender to go down unless De Zerbi can work his magic from day one.

And according to former Spurs midfielder and talkSPORT host, Jamie O’Hara, there’s three things De Zerbi can do from day one to give Tottenham’s survival chances an immediate boost.

“First and foremost, he needs to get the formation right,” declared O’Hara when speaking on Sky Sports News. “Stick to a formation, don’t change it. I would go 4-2-3-1, so that would be my first thing.

“Then don’t change the formation. There’s been too many times Igor Tudor tinkered, 3-4-3, 4-4-2, you know, all over the place. Players were confused, didn’t know what they’re doing, so that would be the first thing.

“Then, get the best out of Xavi Simons. We spent 60 million pound on him, he’s a top player, he can play, he can make the difference, he is someone who will rise to the occasion if you give him the confidence to do it.

“And then the third thing I would do is get hold of the leadership group, whoever that is, whether it’s Romero, Van de Ven, Maddison, the guys in there, the experienced players, the internationals, get them on side.

“Get them on side early and say, ‘Are you up for the fight? Are you in this?’. I need you on side because we’ve seen too many times that the players have capitulated like against Nottingham Forest when you could see their heads go down.

“You’ve got to give them belief. Give them the confidence to go out there and know that they are good players, because some of them are top players.”

The call to give Simons a more prominent role is perhaps the most intriguing suggestion of the three.

The Dutchman has struggled and looked out of his depth at times during his first campaign in the Premier League. Nevertheless, his talent is unquestionable, even if he was overlooked by former boss Tudor.

Simons did not start any of Tottenham’s last three league games while Tudor was at the helm, though that streak could be snapped next time out at Sunderland.

A trip to the north east on April 12 is first up for Simons and De Zerbi. After that, Tottenham round out the season with clashes against Brighton, Wolves, Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton.

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Latest Tottenham news – First transfer targets / Masterful secondary appointment / RDZ the new Fergie?

Tottenham to kickstart De Zerbi era with stunning Brighton move as first three targets emerge

Tottenham to get their hands on all-time Italian great in masterful secondary appointment

Roberto de Zerbi is looking to bring a former Brighton stalwart to Tottenham this summer, and the new manager has reasons to be hopeful that a deal can be struck, per reports.

The Italian coach has been appointed on a five-year contract after Spurs eventually convinced him to join in the midst of a relegation battle, and a squad rebuild seems likely and necessary.

De Zerbi’s first task will be to guide Tottenham away from the relegation zone, but plans are already being made behind the scenes for the summer transfer window.

According to Italian outlet MilanLive, De Zerbi is keen on a reunion with former Brighton left-back Pervis Estupinan.

The Ecuadorian international was considered one of the Premier League’s best full-backs during his time with Brighton. Under De Zerbi, he made 64 appearances for the Seagulls, notching four goals and 12 assists in the process.

However, Estupinan has struggled to find his feet in Serie A since making a £17million switch to AC Milan last summer, and he is now out of the starting XI.

The report claims ‘he will be leaving’ Milan this summer. Estupinan’s entourage have already begun looking for his next move. Atletico Madrid are in the mix to sign him, but De Zerbi’s appointment has allegedly ‘paved the way’ for him to join Spurs instead.

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Tottenham eye Estupinan amid Udogie uncertainty

Tottenham’s summer business all depends on whether they can avoid relegation, but should they do so, then signing Estupinan could make a lot of sense.

The 28-year-old thrived under De Zerbi and he is said to ‘particularly appreciate’ the player, suggesting he is indeed keen for him to join him at Spurs.

The links with Estupinan come amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Tottenham left-back Destiny Udogie.

TEAMtalk correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, revealed back in January that club officials are weighing up options for Udogie, including a possible loan or permanent exit in the summer, to make way for fresh talent.

Udogie has faced recurring injury issues and inconsistent form this season, prompting more questions about his reliability moving forward.

He is now back to fitness, so it will be interesting to see how prominently he features under his compatriot De Zerbi.

But if he does leave in the summer, amid interest from Serie A clubs, then Estupinan may well be an option Tottenham give serious consideration to.

Latest Tottenham news: West Ham star wanted / Fulham ace eyed

Meanwhile, we revealed in an update earlier today that Tottenham are considered ‘frontrunners’ in the race to sign West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville.

If the Hammers are relegated then a departure is highly likely for the Dutchman, who is also admired by Everton, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, and Brentford.

In other news, we understand that Spurs are also considering a move for Fulham star Harry Wilson, who is out of contract at the season’s end.

If Fulham are unable to tie Wilson down to a contract extension then competition to sign him on a free transfer will be fierce, which is no surprise given his excellent form this season.

Crysencio Summerville has emerged as one of the best performers for West Ham United during a difficult Premier League campaign, and his impressive form in 2026 has not gone unnoticed across Europe.

With the Hammers locked in a tense relegation battle, the Dutch winger is attracting serious interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 24-year-old, who joined West Ham from Leeds United in August 2024 for a fee in excess of £25 million, endured a slow start to life at the London Stadium. However, he has hit a rich vein of form this year, contributing crucial goals and assists that have helped keep the East London club in the fight for top-flight survival.

Summerville‘s recent purple patch has transformed him into a key asset, prompting speculation that a summer departure could be on the cards regardless of whether West Ham stay up.

According to sources, Tottenham Hotspur are understood to retain interest and could rekindle their pursuit in the summer, potentially viewing him as a dynamic option to bolster their attacking options for a good fee, however it has gone no further than interest at this stage.

Interest is not confined to north London. Within the Premier League, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Brentford, and Everton have all been monitoring the former Championship Player of the Season.

On the continent, clubs including Marseille, Napoli, Atalanta, and Villarreal are said to be keeping a close eye on developments, with some having shown genuine intent to test West Ham’s resolve.

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Leeds return unlikely but not impossible

Former club Leeds United have also been mooted as a destination by some, but sources say there has been no major moves by his former side. However, they did not write off a move back to Elland Road if Leeds survive and stay in the Premier League, as Summerville wants to remain at the top level.

There is also understood to be serious interest from the Bundesliga, but sources were reticent to name clubs at this stage.

West Ham’s stance remains firm for now: they have no intention of selling Summerville if they secure Premier League status for another season.

The club rejected approaches in January, including interest from at least one Premier League side and a Serie A club, and sources suggest he is seen as untouchable while the relegation threat lingers.

However, financial pressures could force a change of heart if the Hammers are relegated, with the player potentially valued in the region of £25m-35m.

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More West Ham news: Bowen snub; Man Utd target damaging raid

Liverpool legends Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have both urged the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), not to sign Jarrod Bowen from West Ham United as Mohamed Salah’s replacement.

Elsewhere, Bruno Fernandes could help Manchester United sign a top Hammers star this summer, in what would be a crushing blow for the London Stadium outfit.

Leeds’ desire to keep Pascal Struijk will be challenged this summer, with Aston Villa understood by sources to be the side with the most serious interest, though the Whites’ intentions around the 26-year-old Daniel Farke favourite have also come to light.

Struijk has caught the eye of several Premier League sides, positioning the Leeds United centre-back as one of the more intriguing defensive targets ahead of the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old, renowned for his composure on the ball and assured left-footed distribution, has delivered consistently solid performances for the Yorkshire club this season, helping them navigate a challenging campaign.

Well-placed sources have confirmed Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United are all monitoring the defender closely. Tottenham hold a long-standing interest in Struijk, viewing him as a reliable, ready-made addition to their backline should they need to refresh their options in central defence, especially with Cristian Romero nearing the exit.

The north London club see the former Ajax academy graduate as a player capable of immediate integration, offering both defensive solidity and progressive passing from the back.

Aston Villa are regarded as particularly strong admirers by TEAMtalk sources, with Unai Emery’s squad understood to be preparing a determined pursuit. The Villans, frequently balancing Premier League demands with European fixtures, are keen to add technical quality and depth to their defence.

Sources suggest Villa could table an initial offer around the £25million mark (€29m, $33m) due to his contract coming into its final year, though any successful bid would likely involve further negotiation given Leeds’ valuation.

Newcastle United rounds out the interested parties, with Struijk featuring on their contingency plans as they seek cover for potential defensive vulnerabilities.

The Magpies’ recruitment approach often prioritises established Premier League performers who can deliver instant contributions. However, Eddie Howe’s side must sell to buy and will be active later in the window.

ICYMI: Leeds ‘hold strong interest’ in Middlesbrough goalkeeper as £20m link to Brighton man emerges

And what about Pascal Struijk’s future at Leeds?

Leeds United are, however, determined to retain one of their most dependable figures.

Struijk, whose current contract runs at Elland Road until 2027, is highly valued by the Whites and manager Daniel Farke and considered integral to the club’s identity.

The German boss has trusted Struijk both in a regular four-man defensive rearguard, while he’s made the position his own on the left of a three in Leeds’ now preferred 3-5-2 / 3-5-1-1 formation.

Sources say preliminary conversations over a new deal have taken place, though a lot will come down to what division Leeds are in next season.

If still a Premier League side, Leeds will step up those talks and will have confidence that an agreement on a new deal will be reached. But even if they did succumb to the drop, the Whites would try and extend his terms, though those hopes would come in for a greater test if they did find themselves back in the Championship.

From the player’s standpoint, he is settled at Leeds and is not agitating to leave.

However, as explained, the club’s divisional status could yet alter the landscape this summer.

The Whites are said to rate the player in the £35-£40 million bracket, though with his deal having a year left come the summer, that fee would be difficult to obtain.

At 26, Struijk is approaching his peak years, boasting close to 200 senior appearances for Leeds across multiple promotions and top-flight battles. His reading of the game, ability to launch attacks from deep, and occasional threat at set-pieces have earned widespread praise.

As the season enters its final stages, the battle for Struijk’s signature could intensify, potentially shaping not only Leeds’ summer planning but also the defensive reinforcements of their suitors.

Latest Leeds news: Pre-agreed deal stalls; Bielsa message; Gnonto fears

Elsewhere, Leeds United have been handed a transfer headache after a pre-agreed summer deal collapsed after a furious director vowed to abandon an €8m deal following frustrations over his form.

In other news, an insider with expert knowledge on Leeds United has revealed popular Italy winger Wilfried Gnonto will continue to struggle for minutes under Farke’s “attritional” formation, amid fears he’s one of four players who could be forced out this summer.

Meanwhile, the future of Farke as Leeds United manager has once again been called into serious doubt, with one former Premier League chief explaining why he could be sacked by chairman Paraag Marathe at the end of the season.

One thing Farke probably suffers with, to some extent, is the fact that he’s not revered anywhere near as much as Marcelo Bielsa.

On the subject of the iconic former Whites boss, Leeds fans have shown the Argentine an incredible show of emotion, while he, too, sent the club a heartfelt message back.

Tottenham Hotspur could reunite new head coach Roberto De Zerbi with Brighton & Hove Albion star Bart Verbruggen this summer, according to a report, while two other new targets have also been named.

Tottenham quickly approached De Zerbi after deciding to part ways with interim boss Igor Tudor. However, the Italian rejected their initial advances, insisting he would rather wait until the summer before taking his next job.

However, Tottenham convinced De Zerbi to change his stance and take over immediately. Spurs announced his arrival on a five-year contract on Tuesday.

De Zerbi has seven games to save the north London outfit from relegation to the Championship.

It is a risky move given De Zerbi has a particular style that takes time to bed in. Spurs supporters’ groups have also expressed concern about the 46-year-old’s public backing of his former Marseille forward Mason Greenwood.

Spurs will look to hand De Zerbi several top signings this summer if they avoid the drop. As per talkSPORT, De Zerbi ‘remains a huge fan’ of Verbruggen from his time at the Amex, and the goalkeeper could resultantly arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ready for next season.

Spurs are keen to offload Guglielmo Vicario, who has reportedly said ‘yes’ to joining a Serie A giant.

Such a move would make room for Verbruggen to arrive as De Zerbi’s new No 1. However, talkSPORT add that Spurs will face competition from Bayern Munich for the Dutchman.

We revealed in December that Spurs are making checks on the shot-stopper ahead of a potential move.

They will need to offer £50million to convince Brighton to sell. The Seagulls are fairly relaxed about Verbruggen leaving as they are ready to promote Carl Rushworth – which sources confirmed to us in February.

Chelsea have also emerged as possible suitors for Verbruggen, having raided Brighton on plenty of occasions in the past.

It was claimed on Wednesday morning that De Zerbi could initiate shock talks for ex-Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, having worked with the striker at Marseille.

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De Zerbi also keen on Aubameyang, Locatelli

Aubameyang has been backed to become a ‘terrific signing’ for Spurs, despite his Arsenal connections and the fact he is now 36 years old.

De Zerbi got the best out of Aubameyang at Marseille, though Spurs fans will clearly be sceptical about such a move.

Reports in the Italian press claim De Zerbi has also urged Spurs to bid for Juventus skipper Manuel Locatelli once the transfer window reopens.

The midfielder has long been linked with a Premier League switch, having rejected Arsenal to sign for Juve in August 2021.

More on Spurs…

Liverpool breeze past Tottenham in race for Serie A’s ‘best’ as enticing exit clause revealed

Tottenham relegation impact assessed with seismic salary reductions, secret De Zerbi terms revealed

Liverpool have overtaken Tottenham Hotspur in the chase for Juventus star Gleison Bremer, with a report revealing the enticing fee he will be available for this summer.

Bremer has long been on Tottenham’s radar, ever since Fabio Paratici’s first spell as sporting director between 2021 and 2023. Tottenham have signed numerous top players from Italy in recent years, and Bremer remains a coveted target even after Paratici’s move to Fiorentina.

Indeed, it was claimed in December that Spurs’ squad overhaul could begin with Bremer’s signing.

But a lot has happened since then, with Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor both leaving, and Spurs getting ever closer to the relegation zone. Roberto De Zerbi has now taken charge, but Spurs will struggle to sign elite stars even if the Italian keeps them in the top flight.

According to Italian source Tuttomercatoweb, Liverpool are the English club best-placed to sign Bremer this summer, with Spurs having fallen behind.

There is growing concern among Juve fans that the dominant centre-back will leave at the end of the season. While manager Luciano Spalletti views him as ‘untouchable’, the Juve hierarchy ‘won’t be able to resist’ a ‘reasonable’ bid this summer.

The report claims Bremer’s contract – which was signed in 2024 and runs until June 2029 – includes a €54million (£47m / $63m) release clause.

That is a fee well within Liverpool’s reach, especially as Juve have previously valued the defender at more than €70m (£61m / $81m).

It is an increasingly ‘sensitive topic’ for Juve as club chiefs could sell Bremer against Spalletti’s wishes.

Liverpool are known to be in the market for defensive recruits as Joe Gomez could move on, while Virgil van Dijk is in the latter stages of his career.

There has been plenty of speculation about Ibrahima Konate leaving, too, though the Frenchman’s latest comments suggest he will extend his contract at Anfield.

Bremer could end up being a great signing for Liverpool. Lautaro Martinez has previously labelled him the ‘best defender’ in Serie A.

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Bastoni, Lukeba also on Liverpool radar

Bremer has the speed, positioning and physicality needed to deal with top-quality Premier League strikers. He is also comfortable on the ball and a threat in both boxes.

Although, he is now 29 years old, and Liverpool generally prefer signing players who are 25 or under.

There are several other central defenders on Liverpool’s shortlist. Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni would be a dream signing, but Barcelona are confident of getting him first.

It emerged on Tuesday that RB Leipzig are warming to the idea of selling Liverpool target Castello Lukeba.

The Reds are also battling Manchester United and Real Madrid for Germany international Nico Schlotterbeck.

He appeared to be close to extending his contract with Borussia Dortmund, though that deal is now uncertain.

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Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly ‘named’ his first signing at Tottenham Hotspur, while Guglielmo Vicario’s exit has moved a step closer.

De Zerbi‘s move to Spurs was formally announced on Tuesday morning, with the former Marseille and Brighton boss penning a five-year deal with the Premier League strugglers.

Upon his arrival, De Zerbi has promised two key things for Spurs supporters in the hope of a long-term project, though it is incredibly naive of the club’s hierarchy to have given him a five-year contract.

Still, regardless of what happens during the run-in, there will be a substantial squad overhaul at Spurs in the summer.

Vicario is among those expected to leave, while De Zerbi reportedly wants to reunite with former Juventus star Manuel Locatelli.

We revealed last month that Spurs were already making plans to replace Vicario, who will be offloaded in the summer.

Now, Italian outlet L’Interista claims Vicario has said ‘yes’ ahead of a move to Inter Milan for €20m (around £17m), with the Serie A giants ‘ready to offer the current Tottenham goalkeeper a four-year contract worth €3.5 million per season’.

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Locatelli to Spurs? Probably not…

It is far too soon for De Zerbi to be pitching signings to Spurs, especially as it is unclear which division they will be in next season.

And with his side’s fight for Premier League survival being a far more pressing concern, one of De Zerbi’s priorities when meeting with Spurs is unlikely to have been discussing possible signings.

Still, Italian publication Calciomercato claims those talks have occurred, with the outlet reporting that De Zerbi has ‘named’ Locatelli as a player he wants to sign if Spurs secure Premier League survival.

And there is no guarantee that Spurs will survive this season, with former player David Bentley explaining why they are taking a “risk” with De Zerbi.

“Roberto De Zerbi was at Brighton then had a stint in French football, which is a completely different setup and pressure to the Premier League and what he’ll encounter at Spurs,” Bentley said on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast.

“A five-year deal? I’m not so sure about it at all. The problem with a manager and bloke like De Zerbi is that, if Spurs get relegated, he’ll blame it on everyone else and then has to go and manage the club in the Championship.

“I’m not so sure about the appointment – I think the club are taking another risk.”

Latest Spurs news: De Zerbi tipped to sign ex-Arsenal star as contract terms revealed

De Zerbi’s arrival has already aggravated supporters, and he would further risk the wrath of fans if he signs a former Arsenal talisman.

It has also been revealed how relegation would impact Tottenham’s squad, while there are secret terms in De Zerbi’s deal.

Roberto De Zerbi has been backed to make a former Arsenal captain one of his spectacular first signings at Tottenham in a move that could go very wrong, very quickly.

De Zerbi has been installed as the new Tottenham boss, with a five-year contract on lucrative terms penned. Only Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta earn more than the 46-year-old Italian as far as Premier League managers go.

De Zerbi’s first task is a not insignificant one – securing Tottenham’s Premier League status. But if achieved, attention will quickly turn to formalising plans for a blockbuster summer transfer window.

There are no shortage of positions that need addressing in this current Spurs squad. Left wing is one, with Spurs still to adequately replace club icon Son Heung-min who left for LAFC last summer.

And according to stunning new claims from talkSPORT’s European football expert, Andy Brassell, De Zerbi might look no further than Pierre-Emerick Aubayemang.

Such a move would be mind-boggling to say the least, and not only because Aubameyang used to captain bitter rivals Arsenal.

What’s more, the veteran striker – who Brassell suggested should be converted to a left winger with Richarlison playing up front – previously left Arsenal under a cloud due to disciplinary issues.

The fact he turns 37 in the summer also makes the move a bizarre one, though De Zerbi knows Aubameyang well through his time at Marseille where the striker currently plays.

“Perhaps a little bit out there for some people, I’d go for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang,” said Brassell.

“He’s going to turn 37 in the summer, so it’s a short-term signing. It would be for a good time rather than a long time.

“He has been so good since he’s left the Premier League.”

Brassell – who is highly knowledgeable and respected when it comes to the European leagues – added: “He was a player who would touch the ball like 10-15 times a game and just really defined himself by his pace and his goals.

“Now he’s still got really good pace actually, not quite what it was when he was 29 obviously, but he’s still quick enough.

“He’s so unbelievably intelligent, he stretches the game by taking the ball down the flanks, he defends really tigerishly. He keeps himself incredibly fit. He scores and creates.

“You look at his assist numbers over the last couple of seasons and they’re absolutely brilliant. For me, he would be a better version of what Randal Kolo Muani should have been for Tottenham.”

Brassell concluded by noting the prospect of Aubameyang returning to England by way of Tottenham is a fanciful one, though refused to be deterred.

“Even though there’s the Arsenal connection and maybe for that reason Aubameyang wouldn’t be open to it,” he continued.

“But if we’re talking money and affiliation no object I think he’d be a really terrific signing for them.”

Aubameyang does remain a high calibre option in the final third despite his advancing age. He’s hit double figures in both goals (12) and assists (10) in a season in which he’s primarily been managed by De Zerbi.

Nevertheless, Spurs signing an ex-Arsenal captain on big wages who’ll be turning 37 looks a recipe for disaster.

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Latest Tottenham news

DON’T MISS: Tottenham relegation impact assessed with seismic salary reductions, secret De Zerbi terms revealed

ICYMI: De Zerbi turns to World Cup winner to fix Tottenham defensive woes in major coaching coup

Tottenham Hotspur’s squad are protected by relegation clauses in their contracts, with TEAMtalk able to confirm that significant salary reductions would be triggered if the club were to drop out of the Premier League.

Sources have confirmed that these clauses are widespread within the Spurs squad, with some of the most notable reductions applying to recent high-profile arrivals.

Summer recruits Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus are understood to have agreed deals that include substantial wage drops in the event of relegation, while January signing Conor Gallagher – now the club’s highest earner – is also subject to similar terms.

The clauses are not limited to new signings. Cristian Romero, who committed his long-term future to the club with a lucrative new contract last year, is also believed to have provisions written into his deal that would significantly reduce his salary should the worst happen.

TEAMtalk also understands that there has been discussion around clauses in the contract of new head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

Tottenham have maintained publicly that there are no formal break clauses in his agreement, but sources indicate that there are elements within the finer details of his deal relating to relegation scenarios.

Despite this, the club’s focus remains firmly on avoiding such an outcome altogether. Spurs are currently prioritising stability under De Zerbi, with all internal planning centred on maintaining their Premier League status.

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Tottenham stars face ‘substantial’ wage reductions

As TEAMtalk insider Graeme Bailey explained: “We understand that clauses are in place at Tottenham, but understandably the club don’t want to talk about such things.

“With De Zerbi now in place, their only thinking is about staying in the Premier League – they are really only concerned with staying in the top flight.

“But we are informed that reduction in salary clauses are in the contracts, and some of them are substantial.”

While relegation remains a scenario Tottenham are determined to avoid, the presence of these clauses underlines the level of contingency planning in place behind the scenes as the club navigate a crucial period.

Spurs haven’t been relegated since 1977, but the threat of dropping to the second tier is a serious one as they sit just one point above the bottom three as things stand.

De Zerbi, who has joined the club on a five-year contract, has been tasked with guiding his team away from the relegation zone, but it certainly won’t be an easy task.

“Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season, De Zerbi told the official Tottenham website after his appointment was confirmed. “I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”

De Zerbi’s first game in charge will be against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, on April 12.

Latest Tottenham news: Major coaching coup / Liverpool plot raid

Meanwhile, Roberto De Zerbi is already making moves to help Tottenham’s defensive struggles as they fight to avoid relegation, with Italian great Alessandro Nesta offered a role on his coaching staff.

The 50-year-old is reportedly ‘considering’ the offer, but has only worked as a head coach so far in his career and not as an assistant, so whether he can be convinced remains to be seen.

In other news, Liverpool have joined the race to sign Tottenham centre-back Luka Vuskovic, who has been fantastic while on loan with Hamburg this season.

The 19-year-old has been ‘discussed’ by Liverpool’s recruitment chiefs but they are not alone in their interest, with Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Chelsea also admirers of his.

Roberto De Zerbi is already making moves to help Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive struggles as they battle to avoid relegation, with Italian great Alessandro Nesta offered a role on his coaching staff.

De Zerbi was lured back to the Premier League after Spurs handed the former Brighton boss a five-year contract following the mutual termination of interim boss Igor Tudor’s contract.

Speaking after taking the role at Tottenham, which is set to make him the third-highest manager in the Premier League, De Zerbi said: “Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season.

“I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”

It’s currently unclear over which coaches will be working with De Zerbi in a bid to get Spurs back on track and away from the threat of relegation to the second tier of English football for the first time in almost 50 years.

However, Italian outlet Tuttosport reports that Nesta, winner of the World Cup back in 2006, has been given a chance to become De Zerbi’s assistant manager.

The report adds that the 50-year-old is currently considering the offer, but has only worked as a head coach so far in his career and not as an assistant.

Nesta moved into coaching after retiring and has had spells in charge of Miami FC, Perugia, Frosinone, Reggiana and Monza.

The legendary Italy centre-back would bring huge experience and credibility, given the incredible success he had as a player, winning two Champions Leagues with Milan in 2003 and 2007.

Tottenham’s centre-backs have been poor for the majority of the season, bar Kevin Danso, who has performed to a decent level in a struggling team.

Both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have been way off their normal level, with their best contributions arguably coming at the other end of the pitch with 13 goals between them.

Any sort of knowledge and tactical insight that Nesta could impart on Spurs’ defensive options could end up being critical in the club’s battle to beat the drop.

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