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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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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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Tottenham have announced Roberto De Zerbi has been hired as their new permanent manager, and a senior BBC reporter has shed light on the stunning details within the monster deal.

Our insider, Graeme Bailey, brought news back on Monday morning of Roberto De Zerbi agreeing to become the new Tottenham boss.

A handful of details were still to be ironed out, but barring a miraculous late U-turn, the 46-year-old Italian joining Tottenham was a formality.

Those final wrinkles have now been addressed, with Spurs officially confirming on their website that De Zerbi has succeeded Igor Tudor.

A club statement began: ‘We are pleased to announce the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as our new Men’s Head Coach on a long-term contract, subject to work permit.’

Tottenham considered Marco Silva for the role, as well as Mauricio Pochettino. However, neither were readily available given their commitments with Fulham and the USMNT respectively, but that didn’t matter anyway.

De Zerbi was Spurs’ undisputed first choice and after a series of discussions and compromises, Tottenham convinced the former Brighton and Marseille boss to take charge with immediate effect. Originally, De Zerbi wanted to assume control in the summer.

To sway De Zerbi’s mind, Tottenham have agreed to a five-year contract and a sky high salary. While the exact figure is still to be verified, it’s been confirmed De Zerbi is now the third highest paid manager in the Premier League behind only Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta. For context, Arteta earns around £15m per season at Arsenal.

Furthermore, we understand De Zerbi is in line to earn a significant ‘survival bonus’ if he keeps Tottenham in the top flight over the coming months.

There had been talk of relegation clauses, which would either allow De Zerbi to walk away if Tottenham went down, or would force the Italian to accept a pay decrease if managing in the second tier.

But according to the BBC’s senior football correspondent, Sami Mokbel, there is NO relegation clause in the agreement.

Mokbel stated: ‘Even if Spurs are relegated, sources have told BBC Sport that the deal to take De Zerbi to Spurs does not include a clause that allows the Italian to walk away from the club if they are in the Championship next season.

‘It is understood De Zerbi is fully committed to rebuilding Tottenham and views the position as long term project regardless of which division they are playing in.’

Accordingly, and even if the unthinkable happens and Spurs do go down, they’re safe in the knowledge they’ll have one of world football’s leading coaches spearheading their attempts to bounce back up on the first attempt.

Mokbel also revealed Tottenham had initially tried to bring De Zerbi in in the aftermath of sacking Thomas Frank and prior to settling on Tudor.

He added: ‘De Zerbi was overwhelmingly the club’s number one choice for the position. The attraction to the Italian was based on his prior Premier League experience, his tactical acumen and the his reputation for playing attacking football.

‘The club tried to bring him to the club after Thomas Frank left, but it was deemed too soon given he left Marseille on the same day.

‘De Zerbi was viewed as the best option for the long term of the club and allows the club to plan for the summer transfer window, and he has time to experience working with the current options.

‘He was also viewed as the best option for short-term with no other highly-credible coach on the market now. There was also a view taken that it’s best for players not to have another interim.’

Finally, Mokbel rather cryptically stated on X that Tottenham did consider the Mason Greenwood ‘issue’ when moving for De Zerbi.

De Zerbi previously backed the forward – who he managed at Marseille – in public, and has been criticised for seemingly downplaying the seriousness of the allegations previously levied at Greenwood.

Per Mokbel, Tottenham did take that situation into account, but it obviously has not stopped the club from pushing the button on De Zerbi’s appointment.

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Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as the club’s new permanent head coach on a long-term contract, subject to work permit, with the Italian promising to deliver excitement back to a fanbase currently on its knees.

The 46-year-old arrives in north London, having been the first choice to replace Thomas Frank before Igor Tudor was given the interim role that ultimately saw him part company with the club after just 44 days in charge and only one win to his name.

Our sources can reveal that De Zerbi has put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal that includes no relegation clause and will lead the club in the Championship if they go down.

The next seven games will answer that question, with De Zerbi’s first game in charge a trip to Sunderland on April 12, by which time Tottenham could be in the bottom three if West Ham beat bottom side Wolves two days before.

De Zerbi, though, is saying all the right things as he prepares to take charge of his second club in the Premier League, following his successful stint at Brighton.

He told the club’s official website: “I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world.

“In all my discussions with the Club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters.

“I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.

“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.”

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Tottenham land their ‘No.1 target’ but still ‘doomed’

Sporting Director, Johan Lange, who has come in for plenty of criticism from Tottenham fans over the club’s current predicament, added: “Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now.

“He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football, and brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League.”

De Zerbi most recent job came at Marseille, where he guided the club to second-placed finish during the 2024/25 campaign.

However, De Zerbi has been told he is fighting a loss cause in north London, with former player and assistant boss, Gus Poyet, insisting that the club are a lost cause and are destined for the drop.

In a grave warning to De Zerbi, Poyet told Football London: “I disagree with people who say ‘this season’. This is not an accident. Tottenham finished 17th last season, and today, they are 17th. I think the characteristics of the players Tottenham have signed, they are more suitable for European competition, which is a completely different game, and not for the English Premier League.

“The Premier League, a little bit last season, 100% this season, has become more physical, man-to-man, set-pieces, and the strongest wins. Spurs, with all the injuries they have, and those players performing at a certain level in Europe but not being able to replicate that in the Premier League, when you start losing, it is difficult to recover.

“You need more than a change in coach; you need a bit of luck, you need players to come back, you need responsibility.

“They are in danger, I promise you. I was worried when I was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium watching the Arsenal game live. I left that stadium thinking, ‘aye, aye, aye’. That was three or four weeks ago. After watching Forest, [I’m] more [worried]. Careful.”

Tottenham Hotspur are understood to be on the cusp of reaching a full agreement to install Roberto De Zerbi as the club’s next manager, with a bumper five-year deal in the works and with the Italian having negotiated a huge bonus if he steers the club to safety and with only a few details left to be ironed out.

The north London side are hoping for a spark that can turn their season around. A truly horrific run of form has seen the club plummet within a point of the relegation zone and Tottenham are now facing their first relegation from the top flight in close to half a century – 1977 being the last time they tumbled outside the top division.

After the failed regime of Igor Tudor – TEAMtalk exclusively revealed that his tenure had been brought to an end last Monday, though with an announcement ultimately delayed owing to the passing of the Croat’s father, Mario, and to allow Spurs bosses more time to close on a successor – the club are ready to roll the survival dice one final time.

As revealed on Monday, Spurs were given significant encouragement to pursue the appointment of De Zerbi, having initially been told by the Italian that he would rather wait until the summer.

But, as sources revealed, the offer of a giant five-year deal, together with a mouthwatering bonus if he can keep the club in the Premier League has ultimately changed the player’s mind.

And after prolonged talks through both Monday evening and once again on Tuesday morning, TEAMtalk has been told that a full agreement is now closing in and his appointment may now only be hours away from full confirmation.

Indeed, we’re told that Spurs bosses knew they needed to make a bold move to show their survival intentions are genuine, believing that De Zerbi’s attitude, tactical quality, and man-management skills can pull them to safety.

Furthermore, TEAMtalk correspondent Fraser Fletcher has been exclusively told from sources close to the club that Tottenham’s leadership team within their first-team squad, believed to comprise defenders Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and midfield playmaker James Maddison, are all very much ‘excited’ by his arrival and believe his appointment gives the club their best chance at survival.

As it stands, there remain a few, small, minor snags to iron out, but by widespread accounts, a full agreement should be reached imminently.

Despite that, not everyone appears enthused by the appointment…

DON’T MISS: Tottenham told why new manager Roberto De Zerbi will be a DISASTER

Spurs handed grim relegation warning despite De Zerbi appointment

Indeed, De Zerbi has been warned he will have a MAJOR job on his hands steering Spurs to safety.

Winless in the Premier League since December 28, the club are currently embroiled in the worst run of form in their entire 143-year history.

Critics believe they are only headed one way – relegation – and now a stark warning has been issued by former player and assistant boss Gus Poyet, who has listed multiple facets of the team’s failings.

“I disagree with people who say ‘this season’. This is not an accident,” Poyet explained. “Tottenham finished 17th last season, and today, they are 17th. I think the characteristics of the players Tottenham have signed, they are more suitable for European competition, which is a completely different game, and not for the English Premier League.

“The Premier League, a little bit last season, 100% this season, has become more physical, man-to-man, set-pieces, and the strongest wins. Spurs, with all the injuries they have, and those players performing at a certain level in Europe but not being able to replicate that in the Premier League, when you start losing, it is difficult to recover.

“You need more than a change in coach; you need a bit of luck, you need players to come back, you need responsibility. They are in danger, I promise you. I was worried when I was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium watching the Arsenal game live. I left that stadium thinking, ‘aye, aye, aye’. That was three or four weeks ago. After watching Forest, [I’m] more [worried]. Careful.”

Poyet also fears there may not be an immediate reaction from the players in their next game at Sunderland.

“Now they go to Sunderland. All the best going to the Stadium of Light at this moment in time after they won the derby. It’s not just about playing football; it’s about running, it’s about fighting, it’s about competing, it’s about dealing with the pressure when a team is coming and coming and the supporters are supporting.

“You need to be spot on in that game. It’s going to be tough. The most important thing, the only thing I can think of, it didn’t happen with me when I was at Sunderland, it’s in your hands. It depends on you.

“If you win the same amount of games as West Ham, then you stay up. Then, we’ll see what happens in the next couple of games.”

Poyet is not the only strong voice to speak out about the decision to appoint De Zerbi.

Outspoken former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan believes the decision to bring in the Italian will prove a disaster, while Sky Sports presenter Dougie Critchley has also questioned the wisdom of Tottenham turning to the often spiky 46-year-old.

Posting on his X account, Critchley branded his appointment as ‘just not necessary’.

‘De Zerbi has only lasted more than 91 games at a club once…

‘Half of his club roles have lasted 30 games or less… He didn’t hit the two-year mark at Brighton or Marseille… And Spurs want to offer him a five- year deal with seven games to prevent disaster? It’s just not necessary!’

Latest Tottenham news: Liverpool plot £52m raid; Spurs face big hit on £65m signing

Meanwhile, Liverpool have a serious interest in signing a young Spurs defender who has been making serious waves this season, per a strong report – and a quick look into his superb stats shows why he’s destined for a massive career in the game.

While a deal could ultimately net Spurs a huge profit on their initial investment – the player is rated at £52m – he could astonishingly leave without kicking a senior ball for the club, and denying their fans the chance to see a player already branded a ‘mega talent’.

Elsewhere, Tottenham are reportedly willing to take a hefty £15m hit on a player signed just two years ago and with a major upgrade targeted.

And finally, former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has called on his old club to sign an elite Tottenham Hotspur star who he feels can take them to the ‘next level’, while also revealing two more positions in need of an upgrade.

Roberto De Zerbi has been told he has a major job on his hands preventing Tottenham Hotspur from hurtling towards relegation despite the enormous cash incentive they are prepared to offer the Italian if he preserves their Premier League status, and with a stark warning to the incoming boss about their next clash at Sunderland.

The north London side have been winless in the Premier League since December 28, a barren run of form that has seen them amass just five points from the last 13 games. Now just a point clear of relegation, Tottenham Hotspur are hoping the arrival of De Zerbi as manager can at least spark the club into life.

To that end, we revealed on Monday that De Zerbi has been convinced to change his mind about delaying his appointment at Spurs by the offer of a lucrative five-year deal and the promise of a major survival bonus.

Previously, the dismissal of Igor Tudor came as no surprise after we exclusively revealed last Monday the decision had been made to remove the Croatian as manager, with the decision only held off following the sad passing of his father, Mario.

Despite the hope a new manager brings, former Spurs player and assistant boss Gus Poyet insists the club are a lost cause and feels they are still destined for the drop.

In a grave warning to De Zerbi, Poyet told Football London: “I disagree with people who say ‘this season’. This is not an accident. Tottenham finished 17th last season, and today, they are 17th. I think the characteristics of the players Tottenham have signed, they are more suitable for European competition, which is a completely different game, and not for the English Premier League.

“The Premier League, a little bit last season, 100% this season, has become more physical, man-to-man, set-pieces, and the strongest wins. Spurs, with all the injuries they have, and those players performing at a certain level in Europe but not being able to replicate that in the Premier League, when you start losing, it is difficult to recover.

“You need more than a change in coach; you need a bit of luck, you need players to come back, you need responsibility. They are in danger, I promise you. I was worried when I was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium watching the Arsenal game live. I left that stadium thinking, ‘aye, aye, aye’. That was three or four weeks ago. After watching Forest, [I’m] more [worried]. Careful.”

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Poyet says if the club expects an immediate reaction from the club in their next game, up at Sunderland, then they may be very much mistaken, with the club’s struggles no fluke and having listed exactly where they must improve.

“Now they go to Sunderland. All the best going to the Stadium of Light at this moment of time after they won the derby. It’s not just about playing football; it’s about running, it’s about fighting, it’s about competing, it’s about dealing with the pressure when a team is coming and coming and the supporters are supporting.

“You need to be spot on in that game. It’s going to be tough. The most important thing, the only thing I can think, it didn’t happen with me when I was at Sunderland, it’s in your hands. It depends on you.

“If you win the same amount of games as West Ham, then you stay up. Then, we’ll see what happens in the next couple of games.”

Poyet is not the only strong voice to speak out about the decision to appoint De Zerbi.

Outspoken former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan believes the decision to bring in the Italian will prove a disaster, while Sky Sports presenter Dougie Critchley has also questioned the wisdom of Tottenham turning to the often spiky 46-year-old.

Posting on his X account, Critchley branded his appointment as ‘just not necessary’.

‘De Zerbi has only lasted more than 91 games at a club once…

‘Half of his club roles have lasted 30 games or less… He didn’t hit the two-year mark at Brighton or Marseille… And Spurs want to offer him a five- year deal with seven games to prevent disaster? It’s just not necessary!’

Tottenham latest: Big hit on £65m signing; Man Utd advised to raid Spurs for £100m star

Meanwhile, former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has called on his old club to sign an elite Tottenham Hotspur star who he feels can take them to the ‘next level’, while also revealing two more positions in need of an upgrade.

Another top Spurs performer linked with a move away is Archie Gray and sources have exposed the truth around claims that a buy-back clause could see him return to Leeds United this summer.

Elsewhere, Tottenham are reportedly willing to take a hefty £15m hit on a player signed just two years ago and with a major upgrade targeted.

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has called on his old club to sign an elite Tottenham Hotspur star who he feels can take them to the ‘next level’, while also revealing two more positions in need of an upgrade.

The Red Devils are currently flying under interim boss Michael Carrick, who has won seven of his 10 games in charge to steer the club to third in the Premier League table, with a Champions League spot for next season looking increasingly likely.

Securing that place in the top level of European club football will mean Man Utd needing to spend again this summer to improve areas of their first XI, along with the overall quality of their squad depth.

Nearly £200million was spent on revamping the attack last summer, with the additions of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, but Saha fully expects the midfield and defence to get the treatment in the upcoming window – although a dip back into the market for another No.9 should also not be ruled out.

Speaking to Ozoon, Saha stated: “Central midfield is a must for Manchester United in the transfer market, especially if we don’t keep Casemiro, but still we need better athleticism in midfield.

“We need someone that you feel like is going to be dominant, pretty much all through the pitch, we need a similar style to Declan Rice, a profile that can offer so much and also dominate physically.

“I’d also like to see a new striker at the club, Benjamin Sesko is a top player with big potential but we need another type of striker. Those are the two positions I would focus on.”

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Saha pushing Man Utd to sign Van de Ven

With Harry Maguire closing in on a new Old Trafford deal after his impressive form under Carrick, the need for another central defender is not quite as paramount as it was, but Saha insists that if Tottenham star Micky van de Ven is available, then United should push the boat out to get him.

The Frenchman added: “We have players in attacking areas and on the wings, defensively we have a lot of options, but Micky van de Ven would be an exciting addition if he is available, he is the calibre of player that can help United to the next level.”

After two outstanding campaigns at Spurs, the Dutch defender’s level has dropped in a season of struggle for the north London side.

Battling against relegation, despite a decent Champions League, Van de Ven was clearly among a group of Tottenham players who did not take to Thomas Frank or his replacement as interim boss, Igor Tudor.

It’s alarming how much his performance levels have dropped off this term, but he’s shown enough in his time in north London, alongside his displays on international duty with the Netherlands, that he remains an elite player in the right environment. It just so happens that the environment at Spurs has messed with the levels of a number of their top stars.

However, at just 24 years of age, Van de Ven would be the future of United’s backline, although he will not come cheap. Indeed, Tottenham are likely to demand in the region of £100million (€115m / $132m) to even consider selling the classy centre-back, although dropping into the Championship will likely change that narrative completely.

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More Man Utd news: Former Leeds star targeted; Chelsea raid

Man Utd are reported to be giving serious thought to the signing of a former Leeds defender this summer, after a well-informed journalist confirmed he was a name they are watching.

Elsewhere, Chelsea have become a ‘conveyor belt’ in recent seasons and could lose top stars to Manchester United and Real Madrid this summer, according to one of their former strikers.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped a lengthy and detailed update on all aspects of Roberto De Zerbi’s expected hiring at Tottenham.

De Zerbi, 46, is the man Spurs have turned to to guide the club to safety and embark on a new era of higher spending. The former Brighton and Marseille boss has agreed to become the new Tottenham manager with immediate effect.

That news was broken by our insider, Graeme Bailey, earlier on Monday, with all parties now working feverishly to iron out the final details in the agreement.

A five-year deal will be signed and De Zerbi will become the third-highest paid manager in the Premier League, behind only Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta. That means Spurs will be paying De Zerbi more than Liverpool are paying Arne Slot, who for now at least, is the reigning manager of the champions.

De Zerbi will earn a substantial survival bonus if he keeps Tottenham in the top division this term. If he fails to do so, his salary will be reduced, assuming he sticks around for a season in the Championship, of course.

Now, trusted reporter, Fabrizio Romano, has given his take on the situation when reporting on his YouTube channel.

In a lengthy and detailed update, Romano explained: “Roberto De Zerbi is really, really, really close to becoming the new Tottenham Hotspur manager with ‘here we go’ expected soon.

“A big bomb I dropped you here on the channel yesterday when Tottenham announced the decision to part ways with Igor Tudor.

“I immediately told you keep an eye on Roberto De Zerbi because one of the names under consideration at Tottenham over the recent days was also Marco Silva.

“But at the moment he’s not leaving Fulham at these final months of the season and the name they always wanted since day one of this Tottenham rebuilding already needed in the plans of the club since they decided to fire Thomas Frank a few months ago has always been De Zerbi.

“It was between De Zerbi and Pochettino at some stage, but with Pochettino it’s complicated because obviously he’s busy with the US men’s national team.

“There is the World Cup incoming. So obviously Mauricio Pochettino has different things to do in this moment rather than reaching an agreement with Tottenham or any other club.

“De Zerbi is free. De Zerbi’s attitude is really appreciated by Tottenham. Quality when it’s about the tactical aspect of the game, also the connection with the players has always been very good.

“And so Tottenham decided to go all in for De Zerbi with a BIG financial proposal, a BIG contract proposal, five-year contract for De Zerbi. A really important salary, one of the best salaries for managers in Premier League at this stage.

“So he’s now in discussions, advanced discussions with Tottenham on details of this contract, on the staff, on all the details needed.

“But De Zerbi yesterday opened doors to Tottenham job immediately, not just in the summer. The original idea was okay let’s discuss for the summer if Tottenham stay up.

“But now De Zerbi is open to taking this challenge and that would be huge by De Zerbi to take this job.

“Trust me he has many opportunities already for the summer, from Italy, from England and not only, but to accept this job now with Tottenham in danger and with the possibility to put your own face on relegation.

“Well, that was not something easy, but De Zerbi is opening doors to Spurs, and so talks very advanced with ‘here we go’ expected soon.

“Let’s wait for the final details. Let’s wait for the final discussions. But while I’m recording this video, Tottenham are really optimistic to get the green light and to get the man they wanted for the summer already now – Roberto De Zerbi.”