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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.”

DON’T MISS: Fabrizio Romano reveals EVERYTHING he’s hearing about Roberto De Zerbi to Tottenham

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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.”

Roberto De Zerbi is finalising lucrative terms to become the new Tottenham manager, though one observer has explained why the appointment will be disastrous for the club and not necessarily the players or fans.

De Zerbi, 46, has said yes to taking charge at Spurs with immediate effect. The initial belief was the Italian was reluctant to take charge mid-season owing to doubts about Tottenham’s Premier League status.

However, in the aftermath of parting ways with Igor Tudor by mutual consent, Tottenham ramped up their pursuit of De Zerbi and a triple financial promise has convinced the former Brighton and Marseille boss.

Not only will De Zerbi become the third highest paid manager in the Premier League, but he’ll earn those sky-high wages over a lengthy five-year contract.

What’s more, De Zerbi will pocket what’s being termed a ‘massive survival bonus’ if he ensures the club’s Premier League status in the final weeks of the season.

There are still a handful of final details to be ironed out – such as De Zerbi’s salary being cut if Spurs are relegated and he sticks around in the Championship – though all parties are pulling in the same direction and the appointment is now inevitable.

However, one prominent figure in the media, former Crystal Palace chairman, Simon Jordan, believes Tottenham are locking themselves into a world of hurt.

The outspoken pundit explained on talkSPORT: “De Zerbi is creative, yeah, he’s good at creating chaos and disruption with people that he works for.”

De Zerbi is widely regarded as one of the leading young managers in world football right now, though does come with a reputation.

During his final months as Brighton boss when becoming linked with bigger jobs, De Zerbi spoke publicly about his situation and appeared to question the club’s ambition.

Mere months later, De Zerbi and Brighton parted ways by mutual consent, with his dissatisfaction with the club’s long-term strategy and transfer plans believed to be at the heart of the matter.

More recently at Marseille, the Italian left his post by mutual consent once more, with his final days at the club again marred by controversy.

After bowing out of the Champions League in humiliating fashion to Club Brugge, De Zerbi reportedly failed to take charge of his side’s training session the next day and offered to resign.

He remained in his position a little while longer, but after suffering a bruising 5-0 defeat to PSG soon after, all parties decided to move in a new direction in mid-February.

Yet clearly, Tottenham believe the potential drawbacks that come with appointing De Zerbi are risks worth taking.

His first match at the helm is a trip to the north east to face Sunderland on April 12. Spurs’ final six matches of the season will see De Zerbi square off against old club Brighton, Wolves, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Chelsea and Everton.

Roberto De Zerbi has agreed to become the next Tottenham manager and multiple sources have revealed all in the developing situation – including how the Italian has hit the financial jackpot.

Tottenham parted ways with Igor Tudor on Sunday afternoon, with the club’s attention quickly turning to convincing De Zerbi to join mid-season despite the looming threat of relegation.

Mauricio Pochettino was also keenly admired at Spurs, though with the Argentine tied up with commitments to the USA national side ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Tottenham have gone all out for De Zerbi.

Our insider, Graeme Bailey, revealed earlier on Monday that the 46-year-old Italian has agreed to become the new Spurs boss with immediate effect. It is not a case of De Zerbi taking the reins at the end of the season.

Final details are still to be ironed out, though the will on both sides is clear and barring any unforeseen late hitches, De Zerbi will become Tottenham’s next manager.

The initial belief was De Zerbi would have preferred to wait until the summer before taking charge. With Spurs in serious danger of being relegated, that stance did make sense.

However, Bailey revealed Spurs have agreed to give De Zerbi what is being described as a ‘massive survival bonus’ if he keeps Spurs in the top flight this season.

That is just one of three ways in which Spurs have made the move too difficult to ignore for De Zerbi from a financial standpoint.

The Italian has been offered a lengthy five-year contract. Not only that, the wages he’ll earn across those five years will be significant and will position him as the third highest paid manager in the Premier League, according to talkSPORT.

Only Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta – who for context, earns roughly £15m per year – will out-do De Zerbi in the managerial salary ranks.

That means De Zerbi will earn more than Liverpool boss Arne Slot who let’s not forget, is the reigning manager of the Premier League champions.

One of the final details that is understood to be still under discussion relates to De Zerbi’s salary if Spurs go down and he chooses to stick around. Per talkSPORT, the Italian’s lucrative salary would reduce in that scenario.

The outlet concluded: ‘De Zerbi’s contract is expected to contain relegation clauses meaning his wages will reduce if they go down and he opts to carry on in the Championship.’

Tottenham Hotspur are on the cusp of reaching a breakthrough to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as their next manager, with sources confirming that a major double financial incentive has changed the Italian’s mind, though his imminent arrival has been labelled as ‘risky business’ by one well-informed Sky Sports reporter.

Spurs finally confirmed the news on Sunday that TEAMtalk had exclusively reported last Monday – that an agreement has been reached to terminate Igor Tudor’s contract, and with the Croatian’s departure only delayed owing to complications and the need to time it right following the sad passing of the 47-year-old’s father.

At just 44 days in charge, Tudor became the shortest ever reign in Tottenham‘s history, having only picked up just one point from his five Premier League games at the helm, and having left the north London side just a point clear of the relegation zone.

Now with the hunt already very much underway for his successor, a fresh update on Monday morning, we confirmed that Spurs bosses had spent the best part of the last week trying to persuade their top target, De Zerbi, to reneg on his previous vow that he would not take charge of the club mid-season, despite making it clear that he would be open to the role in the summer.

However, as our reporter Graeme Bailey explained, the fact that Spurs had been given some indication from the 46-year-old that he may be open to the role with immediate effect after all, had convinced them to open fresh talks – and with a critical 48 hours lying ahead.

Now, we understand that Spurs believe they have their man with a breakthrough in those talks having been made.

Sources believe De Zerbi has now accepted the Tottenham job, agreeing on a five-year deal running through to summer 2031.

In addition, De Zerbi will land a massive survival bonus if he helps preserve Tottenham’s status in the Premier League, though with the club winless in the competition since December 28, he will almost certainly have his work cut out.

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Next Tottenham manager: De Zerbi break option if Spurs go down

Revealing the latest, Bailey told us: “Spurs have been working overtime on De Zerbi. They looked at the alternatives and knew they were not right.

“After Tudor, they had to get it right, and De Zerbi was the standout option.

“It is a huge coup to land him.”

Bailey can also reveal that the delay in reaching an agreement has focused around both scenarios if Spurs do lose their fight to stay in the Premier League.

As part of those talks, he has explained that Spurs want him to take a wage drop if they go down and he agrees to stay around.

De Zerbi, by conrast, is believed to have insisted on a break option in any deal if they do find themselves relegated to the Championship, and it is those differences that are believed to have delayed confirmation thus far.

But all parties are now working towards finding common ground and a full agreement to have him installed as the club’s third manager of the season.

In light of all that, his imminent appointment at N17 has drawn strong criticism from Sky Sports reporter Dougie Critchley, who has 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: £65m star up for sale; young assets in high demand

On the transfer front, Chelsea appear to have joined a very crowded market to sign an outstanding young Spurs star, who the club could now make an enormous profit on after an outstanding season.

Another young star 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.

Tottenham Hotspur are not giving up hope of convincing Roberto De Zerbi to take charge immediately, TEAMtalk can confirm, with the club preparing a decisive push over the next 48 hours and with hopes growing that his stance on delaying his arrival until the summer could be softening.

Spurs are in the market for a new manager and hope for a quick resolution after confirmation arrived on Sunday that Tudor, who collected just a single point from five Premier League games, would be leaving the club after just 44 days at the helm.

The struggling north London side formally confirmed the Croat’s exit on Sunday, although the decision had effectively been made a week earlier, as TEAMtalk exclusively revealed. Out of respect following the death of Tudor’s father, the announcement was delayed – but behind the scenes, that time was used to intensify the search for his successor.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that much of the past week has been spent in dialogue with De Zerbi and his representatives. While the former Brighton boss has remained open to the role, he had previously made it clear his preference was to wait until the summer before making his next move.

However, there is now a growing belief within the club that the Italian’s stance may be shifting.

Over the weekend, Spurs officials detected what one source described as a “softening” in De Zerbi’s position – enough to encourage a renewed and aggressive attempt to bring him in immediately.

“The club are not giving up on De Zerbi – they are going to make a real push in the next 48 hours to get him,” a source confirmed to TEAMtalk.

Spurs, for their part, are willing to pay the Italian a handsome survival bonus if he takes on the role now and maintains the club’s Premier League status.

DON’T MISS: Damning Roberto De Zerbi failure revealed as Igor Tudor leaves Tottenham with NO pay-off

Tottenham look at other options with six others considered

Despite the clear focus on De Zerbi, Tottenham are keeping contingency plans active.

Experienced managers such as Sean Dyche and Adi Hutter remain under consideration as potential short-term solutions if negotiations stall.

A number of high-profile former Spurs figures – including Glenn Hoddle, Tim Sherwood, Chris Hughton and Harry Redknapp – have also been linked with a return in some capacity.

However, they are not viewed as priority options at this stage, though that stance could change if the De Zerbi pursuit fails to materialise and the 46-year-old, who boasts an overall management record of 199 wins in 463 games (a 42.98% win percentage), remains available.

With Spurs’ next fixture against Sunderland scheduled for April 12, the urgency to appoint a new manager is increasing, and, ideally, they want their next boss in place as soon as possible.

To that end, the club remain hopeful that a new head coach will be installed early this week, and with De Zerbi still firmly at the top of their wishlist, a crucial 48 hours now awaits.

Tottenham latest: Dyche shuts down Spurs talks; £65m man up for sale

On the subject of Dyche, the former Everton, Burnley and Nottingham Forest boss has shut down a fan with a comical response amid suggestions he is poised to take charge of Spurs on an interim basis.

As TEAMtalk has long explained, Dyche would not be willing to take on the job on a short-term basis, while his potential appointment is further complicated by a compensation payout owed to Forest, should Spurs make a move.

On the transfer front, Chelsea appear to have joined a very crowded market to sign an outstanding young Spurs star, who the club could now make an enormous profit on after an outstanding season.

Another young star linked with a move away is Archie Gray and sources have exposed the truths 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.

Tottenham Hotspur have announced the departure of interim head coach Igor Tudor, and Sean Dyche is among three managers battling for the temporary job.

We exclusively revealed on Tuesday that Tudor would leave Tottenham ‘by mutual consent‘ following the awful 3-0 home defeat to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest. Sources confirmed to us that the Croatian was ready to step away from the role following the death of his father, Mario.

Tottenham have now confirmed both our information and Tudor’s exit. A club statement read: ‘We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for Head Coach Igor Tudor to leave the Club with immediate effect.

‘Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci have also left their respective roles of Goalkeeping Coach and Physical Coach.

‘We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their efforts during the past six weeks, in which they worked tirelessly. We also acknowledge the bereavement that Igor has recently suffered and send our support to him and his family at this difficult time.

‘An update on a new Head Coach will be provided in due course.’

Spurs only picked up one point during Tudor’s five Premier League games in charge, which has seen their relegation crisis deepen. They were also dumped out of the Champions League in the round of 16 by Atletico Madrid, losing 5-2 in the first leg but winning the return leg in north London.

We revealed on Friday that former Forest, Everton and Burnley manager Dyche is ready to take charge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Dyche, who helped Burnley to become Premier League regulars before saving Everton from relegation, is competing with Adi Hutter and Chris Hughton for the interim job.

The 54-year-old was recently in a pub in London, where a Spurs fan asked him whether he was in talks to replace Tudor.

Dyche said: “That’s brilliant. Honestly, I was in a pub just up the way, near my place I’ve got down there.

“And this guy goes: ‘Oh, you’re meant to be in talks with Spurs.’ And I said: ‘Well, I’m sat next to you having a pint of Guinness – it’s unlikely.

“I said: ‘Unless you work for Spurs, and they’re at The Seven Stars Pub having a pint of Guinness, it’s highly unlikely!

“[I said] ‘No, I’m not. I’m with you, mate. And I’m on talkSPORT. That’s what I’m doing.’”

Dyche’s comments don’t necessarily mean he isn’t in talks to become the new Spurs boss, just that he clearly wasn’t at the time.

Hutter might be next Tudor

In addition to Dyche, Hutter and Hughton, Spurs are considering whether to reunite with either Ryan Mason or Tim Sherwood.

We confirmed on Wednesday that Spurs have made contact with Austrian boss Hutter. However, many see it as a risky move given Hutter’s lack of Premier League experience, similar to Tudor.

Dyche would arguably be the best appointment due to his recent success in keeping Everton in the top flight.

Hughton has a close bond with the club, having made 297 appearances there as a player and previously been caretaker manager on two occasions. Although, he has not managed since being sacked by the Ghana national team in 2024.

Spurs would love to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as their new long-term manager, though he wants to wait until the summer and get clarity on which league they will be in.