TEAMtalk

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.

Want more breaking news lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

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.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly willing to accept a potential £15million transfer hit on a player they only signed two years ago, as the club look to upgrade a key position this summer – if they remain in the Premier League.

Spurs remain in deep trouble at the wrong end of the Premier League table, sitting just a point above 18th-placed West Ham with only seven games of the season remaining.

Relegation to the second tier of English football for the first time in almost 50 years would spell complete disaster for a Tottenham team that won the Europa League last season and reached the last 16 of the Champions League this time around.

Should they go down, the north London outfit face the prospect of losing a number of their top stars, with centre-back duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven likely to command the most attention, despite underperforming this season.

Another player being tipped to move on is striker Dominic Solanke, who has been an integral part of the Spurs team when fit – although that’s sadly not been enough for the England man.

Solanke earned his first England start against Uruguay on Friday evening, making history in the process as it came eight years and 133 days after his debut appearance as a substitute against Brazil in November 2017. That was the longest gap between a player’s first appearance and first start for the Three Lions.

While it was thought that being back in the England reckoning and actually starting for Thomas Tuchel, who rested Harry Kane for the game, would potentially bolster Solanke’s value, it looks like Spurs are willing to accept a loss on the £65m they spent in 2024.

Football Insider‘s Pete O’Rourke, who has previously reported on Newcastle’s interest in the player, claims that while Spurs are reluctant to listen to offers for Solanke, they do currently value him at £50m.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, O’Rourke said: “It’s a difficult one. They’ve missed him this season due to his injury problems. He’s been a big miss.

“He’s still a top player and he is part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad where he’ll be hoping he can impress and book a ticket for the World Cup.

“For Tottenham, he’s under contract until 2030, so they’re under no real massive pressure to sell him under a long-term contract.

“Spurs paid big money for Solanke when they signed him from Bournemouth, it was around £65million, so they’ll be looking to recoup as much as possible.

“They would still be looking at top money, probably £50 million for a player who is in the England squad and again on his day as a proven Premier League striker.”

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Tottenham have striker upgrade in mind

As speculation grows over Solanke’s future, Tottenham are actually looking at upgrading a forward line that has largely failed to deliver in a disastrous campaign for the club.

One striker who continues to be linked with a switch to north London is Juventus and Canada frontman Jonathan David.

Obviously, any move for the 26-year-old depends on staying in the Premier League for a player who has been a long-term target for Spurs transfer chiefs.

David moved to Turin from Lille last summer but has so far failed to stake his claim for a regular position in the starting XI, scoring seven goals in 39 games in all competitions this term.

He remains highly thought of in north London, however, with Tottenham expected to make a move in the summer as they look to strengthen a squad that was once again decimated by injuries this season.

Get the inside story first by joining our TEAMtalk Facebook channel to receive the latest breaking and exclusive news straight into your Messenger inbox.

More Tottenham news: Dyche on manager speculation; Chelsea hunting Spurs star

Sean Dyche has revealed his hilarious response to a fan in a London pub who suggested to him he was “meant to be in talks” with Tottenham over becoming manager.

Elsewhere, Tottenham are facing danger from a number of top clubs for one of their most promising stars, with rivals Chelsea the latest to join the pursuit.

Sean Dyche has revealed his response to a fan in a London pub who suggested to him he was “meant to be in talks” with Tottenham over becoming manager.

Tottenham are soon to be onto manager three for the season. The hire of Thomas Frank and the subsequent spell of Igor Tudor has been even worse, with the boss picking up a solitary point.

TEAMtalk is aware he and Spurs are ready to part company, and reports suggest that could be done on Monday.

There have since been links with former Everton boss Dyche, who’s masterminded survival from the Premier League drop before – entirely relevant to Tottenham’s plight, with the club just one point above the relegation places.

Dyche has told talkSPORT his response to a fan who suggested he was supposedly talking to Spurs, while in a London pub.

He 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.'”

DON’T MISS: Tottenham sanction £25m hit on midfielder with free move green-lit and agent in multi-club talks – Exclusive

Dyche open to Tottenham job

That doesn’t necessarily mean that Dyche won’t be in talks with Spurs at any point, just that he clearly wasn’t at the time – and if he was high on their list, talks might have been more pressing than his pint.

With that said, TEAMtalk sources have stated that the boss is indeed open to the prospect of taking over the north London club.

Indeed, it’s believed he’d be open to the challenge of preserving the club’s top flight status, with Tottenham seriously considering.

But they are also linked with Adi Hutter and Chris Hughton as well as the likes of Ryan Mason and Tim Sherwood having been mentioned, following Roberto De Zerbi and Robbie Keane both saying no, at least during this season.

Tottenham round-up: Hughton backed for job

Former Spurs scout Bryan King has backed “Spurs man” Hughton for the job.

He feels the former Brighton manager’s connection with the club might be able to get a good reaction from the squad.

Meanwhile, amid heavy interest in Spurs defender Luka Vuskovic, rivals Chelsea have joined the hunting pack.

Tottenham are facing danger from a number of top clubs for one of their most promising stars, with rivals Chelsea the latest to join the pursuit.

Spurs are facing the devastating prospect of a season in the Championship next term. They are about to burn through their second manager of the season, with Igor Tudor to be replaced, after he himself took over from Thomas Frank mid-season.

Neither appointment worked, with Tottenham one point above the drop zone and in a lot of danger, with positive results few and far between.

Amid their horror showing this season, there’s speculation that a lot of their big names could leave – Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven the two most often linked with big clubs.

Should one or both leave, there’d be a spot for 19-year-old centre-back Luka Vuskovic in the starting XI, who’s expected to join the first team after a very positive loan move to Bundesliga club Hamburg.

But he’s the subject of interest from a lot of big clubs amid his fantastic season out on loan.

German outlet Bild reports interest from big Spanish clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as a pair of big English clubs: Chelsea and Liverpool.

Tottenham would likely want to keep Vuskovic out of the clutches of the Blues more than any other side, given the two are rivals.

Vuskovic has a lot of options

The report suggests Vuskovic is valued at €60million (£52.3m) and rising, though TEAMtalk is not aware of Tottenham’s stance on his price tag.

Sources have said, though, that the defender will seek another opportunity if Spurs are relegated, and he’ll have plenty of options.

In Germany, both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing the current Hamburg loanee.

The Bundesliga side themselves are eager to bring Vuskovic back in on another loan deal, while Bild’s information regarding Barcelona’s interest is accurate.

Tottenham round-up: Hughton backed for Spurs

With Tudor set to leave, Chris Hughton is one of the names linked with the Tottenham job.

Former club scout Bryan King has backed the “Spurs man” to join as the next manager, having worked with him when he was assistant to Martin Jol.

Sean Dyche is also among those linked with Tottenham and TEAMtalk is aware he’d be open to taking the role.

Former Tottenham scout Bryan King has backed a former colleague of his and “Spurs man” to take the manager’s role, as he named the “first job” on the agenda – which isn’t close to being the priority at the moment.

Spurs are expected to be managed by a third man this season, having first sacked Thomas Frank, before his replacement Igor Tudor had a horrible spell in charge. Still in the dugout for now, the boss is expected to be let go after picking up just one point in five Premier League games.

TEAMtalk is aware Tudor and Tottenham will mutually agree to part ways, with the boss ready for a break after the recent death of his father.

Spurs, having been turned down by favourite Roberto De Zerbi and Robbie Keane, are surprisingly linked with Chris Hughton.

He spent a lot of time as their assistant manager between 2001-2007, before moving into management on his own, where he was last in charge of Ghana – a spell which ended in early 2024.

Former Spurs scout King has backed Hughton for the Tottenham job, and feels he has a couple of important bits to contend with.

“I worked with Chris when I was at Tottenham, and he was the assistant to Martin Jol. He’s very knowledgeable, and he’s a Spurs man,” King told Tottenham News.

“The situation isn’t only the manager, but they need someone to come in who will get a reaction from the players. It will be interesting to see how he would get on.

“He’s a good man, but Chris’ first job would be to sort out the back room, that’s as much of a problem as on the pitch.

“I just think he will have to come in as manager and help restructure the club in a massive overhaul.”

DON’T MISS: Mauricio Pochettino tipped for spectacular Tottenham U-turn leaving USA high and dry

Hughton’s actual first job is much bigger

Reports suggest that Tottenham will part with Tudor in the coming days and want to have a replacement in place immediately, so if Hughton is to take the job, he’d be doing so this season.

That means there are far bigger fish to fry than sorting out the back room.

Indeed, King seems to have forgotten about the fairly large looming threat of relegation, with Spurs just one point above the Premier League drop zone, having lost 3-0 to fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest in the last game.

Anybody who takes charge will be thinking solely about keeping Tottenham in the Premier League immediately.

As and when that feat is achieved, then whoever is in the dugout can turn their attention to the backroom staff, but for now that ranks nowhere close to the top of the list.

Tottenham round-up: Dyche ready to take charge

One of the managers linked with Tottenham of late is Sean Dyche, and TEAMtalk is aware he’d be open to taking the role.

The club like him for his Premier League experience and he’d be open to the challenge of trying to keep Spurs in the Premier League.

Sources have also cleared up reports that Leeds have a buyback clause for Archie Gray – they do not.

Tottenham are known to be ready to part ways with Igor Tudor, after sources revealed as much to TEAMtalk, but the exact date of the dismissal has been revealed by a club insider.

Spurs have been in woeful form since Tudor joined, and for some time before that. He was billed as the club’s saviour, but they’re currently just one point above the Premier League drop zone and Tudor has lost six of seven games in all competitions, crucially picking up just a single point in the league.

It was suggested after a poor start that he had four games to save himself – both legs of Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid, and league games against Liverpool and struggling Nottingham Forest, the latter of which resulted in a humiliating 3-0 defeat for Tottenham.

Tudor’s reign has clearly not gone well and TEAMtalk exclusively revealed earlier this week that a decision has been taken to remove him from duty by mutual consent, partially due to the death of his father, Mario, in recent days.

John Wenham, who has strong connections at Tottenham, has detailed when the likeliest date of when that exit announcement will be made.

He told Tottenham News: “Tottenham are dealing with it appropriately and delicately, and it’s not about sacking somebody in the week of their father having their funeral and the sad loss and grief that he’ll be going through.

“It does seem like, from the media reports, that one, Tudor is definitely going to be relieved of his duties, and secondly, it’s likely to happen on Monday, thus giving two clear weeks until we play that fixture at Sunderland, which would give a new manager time to come in and work with the players.”

DON’T MISS: Mauricio Pochettino tipped for spectacular Tottenham U-turn leaving USA high and dry

Tottenham have final chance at survival

Wenham has detailed how this is the last chance for Spurs to hire a manager to help them out of the mire, though it’s unlikely to be top target Roberto De Zerbi.

He said: “They want De Zerbi as the first choice, but he is unwilling to take the role, you know, right now he wants to wait to take a role in the summer and have his full pre-season to implement his methods.

“He is a longer-term target of the club, having been impressed with his work at Brighton in the Premier League, and the style of football he played.

“If Tottenham were to appoint a manager now, you know, De Zerbi would be the best candidate that’s available on the market now, to get Tottenham away from where they are in the league at the moment.

“They need to move someone in, but this is really the last chance saloon, we can’t bring someone else in, and it goes wrong again, as it has unfortunately for Igor Tudor, where he’s picked up one point from 12 available.”

TEAMtalk is aware that De Zerbi and former Spurs man Robbie Keane have declined the chance to take the role immediately.

But we can confirm the other names being considered are Adi Hutter, Chris Hughton, Sean Dyche, Ryan Mason and Tim Sherwood.

Tottenham round-up: Dyche ready to take over

TEAMtalk is aware that former Everton boss Dyche would be willing to take the top job at Tottenham, replacing Tudor.

His proven experience in the Premier League is drawing Spurs to him, and the boss is open to the challenge of preserving top-flight status.

TEAMtalk sources have also stated that Yves Bissouma will be allowed to depart north London on a free transfer in the summer, with a few French clubs eyeing him.

Archie Gray has been told he should consider a return to Leeds as he’s “ruining his career” at Tottenham Hotspur, though the chances of a move back to Elland Road anytime soon already look slim and with sources revealing all on the clubs who are actually keen on signing the 20-year-old midfielder.

Gray left Leeds in a £40m (€46m, $54m) deal in the summer of 2024, with the Whites forced to cash in on their prized young star to stay in line with FFP and ensure they had the funds required to further strengthen their squad. And while Leeds were heartbroken to see him leave, the deal has arguably worked out pretty well for all parties.

But while Gray has proved an outstanding performer for Tottenham this season, his side have looked anything but as they struggle to avoid a first relegation from the top flight since 1977.

With just seven games remaining, Spurs – winless so far in the Premier League during 2026 – have been sucked deep into the relegation conversation and have just a point buffer on themselves and 18th-placed West Ham.

And relegation has raised the prospect of Gray potentially leaving Spurs at the end of the season, with the 20-year-old not short of admirers and staggeringly told he is wasting his potential in N17.

That’s the verdict of talkSPORT’s Sonny Snelling, who, in a surprising act of self-sabotage, stated: “If I were five years old and I wanted a Spurs shirt, do I want any of them on the back? No. Maybe Archie Gray.

“I just feel like he could go back to Leeds or something. Or look for pastures new.

“He shouldn’t be here. He’s ruining his own career. I feel guilty that we’re part of that.”

However, amid claims a buy-back clause was inserted in the deal that took him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, TEAMtalk can reveal that, it is our understanding that no such arrangement exists, with the deal a straight cash buy and also one struck independently of the £10m arrangement that brought Joe Rodon in the opposite direction on the same day.

ICYMI: Leeds fans show Marcelo Bielsa INCREDIBLE show of emotion as legendary boss sends heartfelt message

Archie Gray will be a man in demand this summer – Sources

That verdict has also been backed up by BBC Radio Leeds’ Adam Pope.

When asked about the possibility of the 20-year-old re-joining the Whites this summer, he told BBC Sport: “Never say never, but I don’t see Archie returning to the club any time soon, and I am not aware of any buy-back clause.”

However, that’s not to say Gray won’t be a man in demand this summer because, as exclusively revealed earlier this week, the England Under-21 international has a string of clubs keeping tabs on his situation and are poised to pounce should Spurs find themselves relegated to the second tier at the end of the season.

Indeed, our reporter Fraser Fletcher wrote on March 24 that Spurs ‘face a major battle’ to retain Gray’s this summer, with the midfielder ‘almost certain to leave in the event of relegation’, and with sources confirming interest from Manchester United is genuine.

However, the Red Devils are far from the only side keen.

To that end, sources have stated that Borussia Dortmund are growing increasingly keen on a move for the 16-times capped England Under-21 midfielder themselves and are positioning themselves firmly in the mix for his signature if Spurs are relegated from the Premier League.

The German juggernauts believe they can sell their project to the young star and feel they can make a strong case to convince him to leave England. But in addition to Dortmund and United, Chelsea and Aston Villa have also been confirmed as interested in the midfielder, as well, with the quartet all eyeing a move if Spurs’ worst dreams become a reality.

Ultimately, though, their chances of a deal hinge almost entirely on Spurs’ fate. Stay up, and the north London side will feel they have no reason to sell, while the player himself is not agitating for a move, either.

Tottenham ready to turn to Sean Dyche; Leeds have Farke questions

Meanwhile, in a surprise turn of events, Sean Dyche< would be willing to replace Igor Tudor and take charge of Tottenham Hotspur now, sources have told TEAMtalk.

Tottenham are working intensively behind the scenes to identify a replacement for Tudor before confirming his departure, with multiple candidates under consideration.

We exclusively broke the news on March 24 that Tottenham are expecting to part company with Tudor ‘by mutual consent’, but the north London club have been reluctant to make the move official without first lining up a successor.

Either way, the north London side are ready to roll the dice one final time in a desperate bid to preserve their Premier League status.

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