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Tottenham Hotspur made discreet contact with Roberto De Zerbi about stepping in as their interim head coach, TEAMtalk understands, but the Italian quickly rejected the proposal once it became clear the role was strictly short‑term.

Sources have confirmed that Spurs’ hierarchy have been unwavering in their message to every candidate: only the interim position is being discussed at this stage, with the permanent job to be assessed in the summer following a full internal review.

De Zerbi, who is open to a long‑term project in north London, had no interest whatsoever in taking a temporary post. He did not feel an interim stint aligned with his ambitions, despite being intrigued by the idea of a permanent role further down the line.

As TEAMtalk revealed on Friday, club legend Robbie Keane took the same stance. Keane made it clear he would not consider a short‑term appointment, ruling himself out of contention in identical fashion to De Zerbi.

With both men unwilling to take the reins on an interim basis, Spurs assessed alternative options. After considering the likes of current coach John Heitinga and former club stalwart Ryan Mason, attention shifted to Igor Tudor — a coach who had also shown interest in the Nottingham Forest vacancy.

We reported earlier on Friday that Tudor had been offered to Spurs, and now the former Juventus and Marseille boss has accepted the job until the summer.

His arrival gives the club the experienced stop‑gap figure they were seeking while they continue to evaluate long‑term candidates ahead of a crucial off‑season.

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Tottenham transfer news: Endrick, Palhinha…

In other news, Tottenham have been told what Real Madrid’s stance on selling Endrick this summer is after emerging as one of the Premier League clubs interested in the on-loan Lyon striker.

The sacking of Thomas Frank has opened up doubts over whether Tottenham will buy Joao Palhinha after his loan spell from Bayern Munich.

Manchester United are reportedly aiming to bring Scott McTominay back to Old Trafford, with his colossal price tag having already been revealed, while Tottenham Hotspur are planning a cheeky manager move.

McTominay ended his long association with Man Utd in August 2024 when he joined Napoli for £25million. That was despite the fact the midfielder had just enjoyed his best-ever season for United, having popped up with several crucial goals to help save then manager Erik ten Hag’s job.

McTominay has since established himself as one of the best midfielders in Italy, having been named Serie A’s MVP when Napoli won the Scudetto last season.

McTominay’s dominant performances for Napoli have left a big impression on numerous Premier League clubs, including United…

McTominay to Man Utd latest

United ‘dream’ of reuniting with the Scotland international and are ‘leading the way’ for a potential summer deal, according to Italian source Tuttomercatoweb.

While McTominay is ‘happy in Naples’, he is eager to return to United in the near future and prove his doubters wrong.

The report includes comments from Napoli chief Leonardo Giammarioli, who admitted earlier this month he is ‘worried’ about the club losing their star midfielder.

Giammarioli said McTominay could leave if a huge bid comes in this summer, having compared the situation to Nick Woltemade’s Stuttgart exit.

Our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, exclusively revealed on November 20 that United and Arsenal are exploring shock moves for McTominay, with Tottenham Hotspur also showing interest.

Our sources confirm that McTominay is keen on coming back to England, but only for ‘the right project’.

We understand it will take an ‘astronomical’ offer to prise the 29-year-old away from Napoli, with a minimum valuation of €80m (£70m / $95m) having been set.

McTominay is certainly an intriguing option on United’s shortlist as they map out their midfield rebuild. Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton are all on United’s radar, too.

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Carrick battle begins

United have been hugely impressed by how Michael Carrick has handled being interim boss, but they are not alone…

TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey has revealed that Carrick is under serious consideration for the permanent Tottenham Hotspur manager’s job, too.

The former midfielder, who played for both United and Tottenham, was considered by the north London club before the arrival of Thomas Frank last summer.

Carrick’s record at United, and his quick adaptation to Premier League management, has seen him remain firmly on Spurs’ radar.

Spurs have agreed to make Igor Tudor their interim manager, but Carrick is in the frame to succeed from him this summer.

Any Spurs move will depend on whether United make the 44-year-old their own permanent manager. Our sources state that United are ‘loving his style, demeanour and attitude’, though they are also analysing other options.

Double scouting mission

The Red Devils will send club representatives to watch Inter Milan star Federico Dimarco and Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu in the Derby d’Italia this weekend, according to Tuttosport.

United have been impressed by Kalulu’s versatility as he has operated as a centre-half, right-back and right wing-back this season.

Dimarco, meanwhile, has been in thrilling form at left wing-back for Inter. He has managed six goals and 13 assists in 31 appearances, impressing both United and Arsenal recruitment chiefs.

Dimarco might be easier to sign than Kalulu due to his contract situation, too. Inter are aiming to tie the Italian down to fresh terms, but his current deal expires in June 2027.

This update comes after Tuttosport reported on Wednesday that United ‘dream’ of making Dimarco their new left-back.

Ratcliffe criticised

England rugby captain Maro Itoje has responded to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial comments about immigration in the UK.

“I disagree with the terminology and sentiments of what he said,” Itoje told the BBC (via our friends at Planet Rugby). “I do not believe that Great Britain has been colonised by immigrants. I think that’s inaccurate and the wrong thing to say.

“I sit before you as a man who was born in north London, a very proud Londoner, very proud to have this English identity, very proud to play for England and to captain England.

“It’s one of my greatest accomplishments and, regardless of what I do for the rest of my life, this will be up there with one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

“But I’m also of Nigerian descent, and I’m equally as proud of that heritage as well.

“I just think it was very clumsy wording and the figures he was talking about were factually inaccurate as well.

“I have read that he has apologised for his comments, and I think it is admirable when people realise they’ve messed up and apologise. So, I commend him for doing that.”

Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the chance to hire Igor Tudor as the interim manager for the rest of the season, sources have told TEAMtalk, as Robbie Keane’s private stance on leaving his job at Ferencvaros to come to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium right now is revealed.

Following the sacking of Thomas Frank as the manager earlier this week, Tottenham are now actively looking for a new boss. The north London club’s plan is to hire an interim manager until the end of the season and then make a full-time appointment.

Mauricio Pochettino is one of the top candidates to take over at Tottenham, with our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, reporting that the Argentine would love to return to the Premier League club.

However, Tottenham would have to wait until the end of the 2026 World Cup finals this summer, as Pochettino is in charge of the USA national team right now.

Fraser Fletcher reported on January 7 that Tottenham had an eye on Roberto De Zerbi, who was then in charge of Marseille.

Although De Zerbi parted company with Marseille this week, the Italian tactician is not looking to take on a new managerial job right now, according to Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge, on X.

Sources have now told our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, that Tottenham have been offered the chance to hire Igor Tudor as an interim manager.

The 47-year-old former Croatia international central defender is without a managerial role at the moment, following his departure from Juventus in October 2025.

Former Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose is also in the running for the Tottenham role on an interim basis.

Bailey told us about Tudor: “My source has confirmed that Tottenham have been offered Igor Tudor, and they insist that he is being considered.

“Tudor was offered to Nottingham Forest, too.

“Tottenham are insisting that the next managerial appointment will be interim, but, in theory, they could get the role full-time at the end of the season should they impress.

“I have been told that Marco Rose is also in the running for the interim managerial role at Tottenham.”

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Robbie Keane stance on taking Tottenham role – sources

Former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane is also a candidate to take charge of the first team.

Keane, who had two spells at Tottenham as a player, has done well in his managerial career so far.

The 45-year-old former Republic of Ireland international striker is in charge of Hungarian club Ferencvaros at the moment.

Keane won Nemzeti Bajnokság I with Ferencvaros in the 2024/25 campaign and led Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Israeli Premier League title in the 2023/24 season.

Regarding Keane and Tottenham, Bailey said: “Robbie Keane’s camp have confirmed to me that he would not consider taking the job on an interim basis.”

Keane himself has publicly said that he is happy at Ferencvaros, and directly addressed Tottenham rumours this week by saying: “I can’t help speculation.”

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Latest Tottenham manager news: Michael Carrick wanted, Spurs legend linked

Meanwhile, odds have been slashed on a German manager taking charge of the Tottenham first team, and it would be a shock if he gets the role.

Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has reported that Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick is under ‘senior consideration’ at Tottenham and has outlined the reasons why last season’s Europa League winners like him.

Tottenham Hotspur’s hunt for a new manager has delivered a surprise turn of events on Friday lunchtime after Marco Rose shot out of nowhere to become the odds-on favourite to take on the job, while a well-informed journalist has delivered a major blow to ENIC’s hopes of landing Roberto De Zerbi.

The north London club’s appalling slide down the table and within five points of the relegation zone prompted club overlords ENIC to sack Thomas Frank on Wednesday. Tuesday evening’s disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle proved the final straw for Tottenham after a run of just one win in 11 Premier League games, meaning the Dane’s tenure in N17 was to last just 38 matches in total.

Spurs’ task in replacing Frank at the helm is a two-fold consideration. Firstly, the club needs someone to bring them back among the elite and build a side capable of challenging at the right end of the Premier League table.

Before that, however, they may need to appoint an interim coach; someone who can not just steady the ship but steer Spurs clear of the choppy relegation waters they are becoming dragged into.

We exclusively revealed before Frank was even sacked that Mauricio Pochettino would not hesitate to return to Spurs if offered the job, though would be unable to make the move until after his commitments with the United States at the 2026 World Cup finals had concluded.

And while De Zerbi is an option available immediately in the wake of his departure from Marseille on Tuesday evening, a new development around the Italian – more on that later – has seen a new name in Rose come out of nowhere to become the new favourite.

The 49-year-old German has been without a club since leaving RB Leipzig last March and has long been linked with a Premier League job ever since.

And amid a flurry of activity, his odds have now been slashed to 5/4 frontrunner for the role, with De Zerbi, previously the favourite, dropping back to 3/1.

Spokesman for William Hill, Lee Phelps stated: “The market for who will replace Thomas Frank at Spurs has taken an interesting twist this morning, with Marco Rose – a new addition to the market – our new outright favourite.

“The German has been immediately installed as the 5/4 frontrunner for the role, with previous market leader Roberto De Zerbi drifting from 6/5 to 3/1.

“The race is far from a foregone conclusion, however, with John Heitinga (5/1) and Mauricio Pochettino (9/2) also in contention.”

DON’T MISS: Ranking seven candidates to become next Tottenham manager, with shock name in top spot

Next Tottenham manager: De Zerbi hopes fade

Having left OM on Tuesday night, the timing of the Italian’s exit almost seemed too convenient for Spurs, given Frank was axed just moments later.

And with a series of journalists making it clear on Thursday that the former Brighton manager had made it clear he was open to a move to Spurs and was willing to jump straight back into management, it appeared the north London side had a clear path towards the 46-year-old.

However, Spurs fan and Sky Sports journalist, Michael Bridge, has now shared a new update on De Zerbi’s future that suggests an immediate return to management is actually not in the Italian’s thinking.

Writing on X, he explained: ‘Roberto De Zerbi, who’s recently left Marseille and often linked with a return to the Premier League, is not looking to take a job right now as it stands & having a break according to people close to him.’

As such, a move to appoint the also immediately available, but most definitely rested Rose – who left Leipzig with a 56.25% win percentage record – could fit the bill.

And his potential arrival, initially on an interim basis, could also see the 49-year-old offered the chance to stake his claim for the role permanently should he impress.

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Pundit leaks next Tottenham manager; Carrick in with a shout

Meanwhile, Pochettino has already been offered the job as the next Tottenham manager and will be the permanent successor to Frank, a former Premier League star has revealed.

At the same time, the pundit’s colleague has dropped an ultra-confident relegation prediction that should instantly put supporters’ minds at rest.

If Spurs do opt for Pochettino, then they will still need an interim option to see them through the remainder of this season, which is where Rose could come into the equation.

Alternatively, surprise reports on Friday morning namedropped a genuine 61-year-old Spurs legend as a shock contender to take on the temporary role, though reports have flagged up why alarm bells should be ringing over his potential appointment.

Another name linked with the job is Robbie Keane, and the Ferencvaros coach walked out on a TV interview when asked about the job and after the odds on him taking the job were slashed.

Sources have also revealed to our correspondent, Graeme Bailey, that the name of Michael Carrick is also being discussed in the corridors of power at Spurs.

Currently the interim, of course, at Manchester United, we understand Spurs would highly consider a move for the 44-year-old should the Red Devils decide against handing him the role on a full-time basis.

The Manchester United hierarchy are quietly thrilled with Michael Carrick’s impact since returning to Old Trafford, and intriguingly, Tottenham Hotspur are just as impressed, sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk.

Carrick arrived at Man Utd with a reputation forged at Middlesbrough, where he spent three seasons building a competitive and progressive side without Premier League finances.

That grounding has proven invaluable for Carrick, who was appointed the interim manager of Man Utd last month and will stay in the role for the rest of the season.

Thrust into the Man Utd hot seat at a difficult time for the club following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, the 44-year-old has taken to the role with a calm authority that has surprised even those who rated him highly.

Unbeaten since taking charge, Carrick has not only stabilised Man Utd but has also turned them into genuine Champions League contenders.

The former Man Utd and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder’s tactical clarity, measured communication, and ability to elevate players who had been drifting have not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford.

Behind the scenes, Man Utd director of football, Jason Wilcox, and his football operations team continue to conduct their due diligence on all managerial options, as expected.

But sources insist that Wilcox and his staff always knew that Carrick had the potential to force his way into the reckoning, and privately, they are delighted that he has done exactly that.

One well-placed insider told TEAMtalk that Man Utd are “loving his style, demeanour and attitude” since his return, with admiration growing week by week.

The insider added that the former West Ham United and England international midfielder has pushed himself far deeper into the conversation for the permanent job than anyone at the club initially expected.

However, Man Utd are not the only ones monitoring Carrick.

We understand Tottenham have been following Carrick closely, too, having considered him last summer before appointing Thomas Frank as their manager.

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Why Tottenham Hotspur fancy Michael Carrick

Carrick’s swift adaptation to Premier League management – and the results to match -have kept him firmly on Tottenham’s radar.

While Mauricio Pochettino is emerging as the early favourite for a return to Spurs following the sacking of Frank as the manager this week, the north London club are casting a wide net.

Sources have told us that Carrick remains one of the names under serious consideration.

For Tottenham, it’s not just the unbeaten run that stands out; it’s the structure, the confidence, and the clarity that Carrick has injected into a side that looked directionless only weeks ago.

Should Man Utd ultimately choose a different path, Carrick may not be short of top-flight suitors.

The 44-year-old’s stock has risen dramatically, and his calm, modern approach to management is resonating across the Premier League.

For now, Man Utd remain thrilled with his impact, but with Spurs lurking, Carrick’s next move could become one of the most intriguing managerial storylines of the summer.

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Latest Man Utd and Tottenham manager news

Meanwhile, Carrick’s chances of becoming the Man Utd manager on a permanent basis have exploded, after Thomas Tuchel decided to sign a new contract to continue as the England boss beyond the 2026 World Cup finals this summer.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has also ruled out another international manager from taking over at Man Utd.

A report has also revealed that an out-of-work Italian manager is ready to take the Tottenham role despite having interest from Man Utd.

A pundit has leaked the name of the manager that Tottenham have already offered the job to, but he, too, is tied until the end of the World Cup finals.

Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have suffered a crushing blow to their hopes of signing an on-fire Premier League striker in the summer transfer window, following a fresh update on his future on Friday.

Spurs and Newcastle were both hunting a new No.9 in the winter window but failed to get deals over the line, in what ended up being a quiet window overall for top-flight clubs in England.

That search still goes on, however, even if Tottenham are in the process of searching for a new permanent manager, although a move for Brentford star Igor Thiago now looks to be off the menu.

The 24-year-old frontman has penned a deal which extends his stay until the summer of 2031, with a club option of a further year.

Following a first season in west London that was interrupted by a serious knee injury, Thiago has netted 17 goals in 26 Premier League games this term, and only sits behind Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race.

“It’s brilliant that Thiago has committed his long-term future to the club,” Bees head coach Keith Andrews said.

“The connection that he has with his teammates, the staff and the fans, as well as how much the club means to him and he means to us, is pretty evident for everybody to see.

“Again, it’s the person before the player. I love working with him and I’ve loved seeing his evolution as a player. How he plays is such a big part of how we play and what our season has been so far.

“He’s been a massive player for us, so it’s a contract he thoroughly deserves and I’m really happy that the club have been able to get it done.”

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Thiago heroics worth the wait

Having signed for a club-record £30million fee from Club Brugges in the summer of 2024 as a replacement for Brentford talisman Ivan Toney, Thiago was only able to make eight appearances towards the end of his debut campaign after suffering a meniscus tear in pre-season.

However, with a full pre-season behind him, the Brazilian has been nothing short of sensational this term. Indeed, he became the fastest player to reach 10 Premier League goals in a single season for the club – surpassing Toney’s record during the 2022/23 campaign.

In November, Thiago also became the first Brentford player to win the Premier League Player of the Month award.

And, while his new deal does not necessarily mean that a summer exit is out of the question, it is likely to mean that Tottenham and Newcastle will need to switch their gaze elsewhere.

However, one factor that is unclear, at this stage, is whether Brentford have inserted a release clause in his deal, which could potentially alter the narrative going forward.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have been told in no uncertain terms that Endrick will not be available this summer, with Real Madrid instructing the Brazilian striker’s camp that he will return to Estadio Bernabeu as part of their first‑team squad next season, TEAMtalk understands.

Endrick is currently rebuilding his rhythm and confidence on loan at Lyon, having moved to France in January after a stop-start introduction to life in Spain.

The 19-year-old struggled for playing time under then Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso in the first half of the 2025/26 campaign, leading to the Spanish giants sanctioning the temporary switch to Lyon to ensure that he received consistent minutes.

The early signs have been hugely encouraging, with the teenager showing flashes of the explosive talent that made him one of the most coveted prospects in world football.

Endrick has scored five goals and given one assist in six appearances for Lyon, including a hat-trick against Metz.

Under Carlo Ancelotti in the 2024/25 campaign, Endrick found the back of the net seven times and gave one assist in 37 appearances for Madrid.

Despite his mixed first year and a half in Madrid, Endrick has remained a magnet for interest.

West Ham United have pushed hardest over the past 12 months, lodging multiple enquiries, but every attempt has been rebuffed.

And while the Hammers are no longer in the race, we can reveal that Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have all made fresh checks this season to understand whether a summer opening might emerge.

Chelsea’s admiration stretches back to the period before Real Madrid won the battle for his signature, while Arsenal and Tottenham have tracked him closely since his Palmeiras days.

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Real Madrid plan to bring back Endrick and Nico Paz

All three Premier League clubs were hoping Madrid’s stance might soften after his loan spell.

However, senior sources have confirmed to us that Los Blancos have now delivered a clear and definitive message: Endrick will be returning to Estadio Bernabeu this summer and will be integrated into the first‑team group for the 2026/27 campaign.

A similar message was put out from the player’s agent earlier this week, who insisted a return to the Bernabeu was next in line for the player, and having also dismissed suggestions that his client does not have what is takes to succeed in the Spanish capital.

Madrid’s position effectively shuts the door on any Premier League move for Endrick in the upcoming window, leaving England’s elite to look elsewhere as one of the game’s brightest young forwards prepares for his next chapter in the Spanish capital.

The plan also includes the return of Nico Paz, who is currently impressing at Como.

The Argentina international attacking midfielder is another player admired by Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs, but Madrid view both youngsters as part of their long‑term core and have no intention of entertaining offers.

Madrid plan to exercise the buy-back clause in Paz’s contract at Como this summer and bring him back to Estadio Bernabeu.

We also understand that Paz’s Como team-mate, centre-half Jacobo Ramon, is another Madrid prospect who could return.

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Latest Real Madrid and Arsenal transfer news

As Madrid plan to keep Endrick in their squad for next season, Los Blancos are also keen on adding Ibrahima Konate to their roster.

However, the latest reports suggest that Liverpool are confident that Konate will sign a new contract and turn down the chance to join Madrid on a free transfer in the summer.

Madrid are also keen on a Swedish left-back, but the Spanish powerhouse are facing competition from Liverpool and Arsenal for the Bundesliga gem.

Sources have told us that Arsenal have accelerated their interest in a 20-year-old sensation who has been compared to Declan Rice, but there is interest in him from Manchester United as well.

Mauricio Pochettino has already been offered the job as the next Tottenham Hotspur manager and will be the permanent successor to Thomas Frank, a former Premier League star has revealed, while his colleague has made a confident relegation prediction that should instantly put supporters’ minds at rest.

The north London side decided to sack Frank on Wednesday morning after a run of form had seen the club win just once in 11 Premier League games, leaving them just five points from the relegation zone. Defeat at home to Newcastle, coupled with a point for Leeds at Chelsea, was enough to see Tottenham plummet to 16th – and leave club bosses with little choice but to bring the Dane’s 38-match tenure to a close.

As a result of his dismissal, club overlords ENIC now have two issues to solve: who can lead the club through the remainder of the season and ensure they don’t suffer a first relegation from the top flight since 1977, and who should manage the club in the long-term and ensure a team of their stature is battling it out at the right end of the table.

In terms of a long-term solution, our correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, reported last week, before Frank had been sacked, that Pochettino was ready to say ‘Yes’ to a return to the club, citing unfinished business and with his popularity still at an all-time high with their disgruntled fan base.

Those hopes were significantly fuelled when one broadcaster dropped a tantalising four-word tease.

Now those hopes of bringing Pochettino back to N17 have reached new heights after former Premier League star Jason McAteer revealed that those close to the club have already told him Pochettino has been offered the job, with the role his if he wants it.

“If they wait for Pochettino, because that’s the noise, that he’s got it,” McAteer revealed on beIN Sports, before asking: “What do they do now? Who’s the firefighter that can keep them up?”

His co-presenter, Richard Keys, immediately responded by insisting Spurs will not go down, commenting: “Spurs won’t get into trouble, there’s only one place that you’re trying to avoid, and it’s either West Ham or Nottingham Forest,” he said, in reference to which club will finish 18th.

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Next Tottenham manager: De Zerbi cannot be ignored

However, the major downside with Pochettino is that Spurs would need to wait until mid-July, and after the World Cup, before Spurs can welcome the Argentine’s return – something which could hinder both transfer plans and their ambitions going into next season as a result.

In light of that, the credentials of Roberto De Zerbi are not to be scoffed at either.

Fletcher also revealed back on January 7 that the Italian was aiming to return to the Premier League this summer and with either of the Manchester United or Tottenham jobs in his sights. Now he has departed Marseille – ironically leaving the role just as Spurs’ defeat to Newcastle was confirmed – he is very much seen as a contender for the vacancy.

To that end, we revealed De Zerbi was one of seven names being discussed by the Tottenham board on Wednesday.

Following on from that, the i Paper’s Pete Hall, Mark Douglas and Kat Lucas all report that De Zerbi is ‘ready to pick Spurs over the United job’.

They state he is ‘ready to get straight back into work’ after his Marseille exit and sees Spurs as the ‘logical next step’ in his career, despite the turmoil at the club.

Furthermore, they state Spurs know that they can scupper United’s plans by acting quickly to appoint the Italian.

Left-field choice for interim Spurs role; pre-agreed transfer could collapse

Should De Zerbi take the job now, that will eliminate Spurs’ need for an interim coach and ensure they have a strong plan in place going forwards.

But if they do opt for Pochettino, then they will still need an interim option to see them through the remainder of this season.

In light of that, a genuine 61-year-old Spurs legend has emerged as a shock contender to take on the interim manager role, though reports have flagged up why alarm bells should be ringing over his potential appointment.

Another name linked with the job is Robbie Keane, and the Ferencvaros coach walked out on a TV interview when asked about the job and after the odds on him taking the job were slashed.

On the transfer front, the departure of Frank as manager could see Spurs abandon a pre-agreed summer transfer, with the player in question suddenly left in no-man’s land and having to prove himself all over again, according to sources.

Elsewhere, we can reveal that Spurs target Christian Pulisic is increasingly open to a return to England, with intermediaries now confirming that Premier League interest in the American star is not only real but growing by the week.

A genuine Tottenham Hotspur legend has emerged as a contender to take on the interim manager role following the sacking of Thomas Frank, although reports have flagged up why alarm bells should be ringing over a potential appointment.

Spurs are on the hunt for their sixth permanent manager in seven years after axing the Dane on Wednesday, following a run of just two wins in 17 Premier League games that has left them embroiled in the relegation battle.

While the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Robbie Keane and Roberto De Zerbi are the frontrunners to take on the full-time job in the summer, despite the latter being available now after leaving Marseille, Tottenham are yet to announce who will take the interim reins.

Make no mistake about it, Spurs are genuine contenders to be relegated for the first time in the Premier League era, meaning whoever comes in has to have an immediate impact with a squad that is beset by massive injury issues and is very low on confidence.

Former boss Harry Redknapp has already said he would answer the call, but assistant coach John Heitinga is the man currently leading training sessions alongside another of Frank’s former assistants Justin Cochrane.

The fact that Tottenham have not yet announced an interim coach, when they could have appointed former Ajax boss Heitinga straight away, suggests they are looking at alternative options – and one of those is now being reported in The Sun.

They claim that legendary Spurs striker Jurgen Klinsmann is in the mix to take over the temporary reins, seemingly in a move to galvanise the club and a fanbase that is growing increasingly disconnected with the team.

DON’T MISS: Mauricio Pochettino only SECOND as Tottenham manager targets ranked, with educated gamble sealing top spot

Klinsmann return concerns raised

The 61-year-old German is reported to be in the running despite being out of work since South Korea sacked him back in 2024.

He had two separate spells as a player at Tottenham, scoring 38 goals in just 68 games, but it was his impact at the club that earned him legendary status.

However, Klinsmann’s managerial career has not quite been as successful as his glittering playing one, having coached the German and USA national teams, along with stints at Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin.

Worryingly, though, those alarm bells are ringing from his most recent job at South Korea, where the German faced fierce criticism over his tactical shortcomings and attitude controversies.

The national team, captained by another Spurs legend in Son Heung-min, fell into a slump and Klinsmann was ultimately dismissed just 12 months into a role that should have led to him being in charge for the 2026 World Cup.

At the time, KFA President Chung Mong-gyu, said: “Coach Klinsmann failed to demonstrate leadership that we expected from the national team coach, including game management, player management and work attitude, which elevate the competitiveness of the national team.”

In October 2025, Klinsmann was linked with the Czech national team job, only for Czech local media to strongly oppose his appointment as they ultimately turned to Miroslav Koubek instead.

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More Tottenham news: Palhinha future; Pulisic chase

Joao Palhinha’s chances of securing a permanent move to Tottenham Hotspur have been plunged into fresh uncertainty following the sacking of Thomas Frank.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa are reportedly set to rival Tottenham for the signing of a dynamic Serie A midfielder who has impressed hugely this season, with his price tag revealed by the Italian media.

Aston Villa are reportedly set to rival Tottenham Hotspur for the signing of a dynamic Serie A midfielder who has impressed hugely this season, with his price tag revealed by the Italian media.

Villa’s progress has been one of the biggest stories in European football this season as they continue to battle for Champions League qualification and sit third in the Premier League table.

Unai Emery’s side could still even be considered outsiders in the title race, but club chiefs already have one eye on the summer transfer window as they look to bolster their squad further.

According to Parma Today, Villa have joined Spurs in the chase for Parma midfielder Mandela Keita, but it’s also stated that ‘half the Premier League’ are interested.

The 23-year-old, who plays as a defensive or central midfielder, has started 22 Serie A matches for Parma this term, and his fine performances mean he’s got a chance of playing for Belgium in the World Cup.

Tottenham have regularly sent scouts to watch Keita in action, and their watching brief dates back to at least December, per previous reports.

Villa have now joined the race for the long-term Spurs target, and the minimum fee they’ll have to pay to stand a chance of signing him has been revealed.

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Aston Villa, Spurs tracking Serie A star

The report claims that it would require an offer of €25million (£21.8m / $30m) for Parma to consider letting Keita go.

He is contracted with the Italian club until the summer of 2029, which puts them in a strong negotiating position.

But with Champions League football almost certain to be on offer with Villa, the player would no doubt be tempted if they came calling.

However, it appears that Spurs have done the most work to date on Keita, so they won’t want to miss out and could launch an offer of their own.

Napoli are also said to be interested, and they have been tracking Keita since before he left Royal Antwerp for Parma in the summer of 2024.

Villa have the advantage of being able to sell an exciting project to Keita. They’re flying high in the Premier League, while Tottenham are in a relegation battle.

Spurs’ chances of signing him could also depend on who their manager is next season and whether Keita wants to play for them, but Villa already have a top-class coach in Emery.