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According to talkSPORT, De Zerbi "sounded out" United before committing his future to Spurs. The former Brighton and Marseille boss was announced as the new manager at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 31, signing a lucrative five-year contract. However, despite the security offered by the club, reports from Italy indicate the 46-year-old made enquiries regarding the Old Trafford vacancy, only to be told he was not under consideration. This revelation suggests Spurs may have been a secondary choice for the Italian, who became a free agent after departing France in February.

The decision to turn down De Zerbi has sparked intense speculation that Manchester United have already decided on their next permanent move. Carrick has been acting as caretaker manager since Ruben Amorim departed in January, and his impressive form makes him the frontrunner. Speaking on White and Jordan, talkSPORT's chief football correspondent Alex Crook revealed: “Do you know what I find interesting about Michael Carrick. We’ve got to Easter Weekend and they’ve not spoken – as I understand – to any other candidates. That’s not to say Carrick has been interviewed for the job. I don’t think they’ll need to interview him. I think they either give it to him or they don’t.”

This is not the first time De Zerbi has been linked with the Old Trafford hot seat. During his time at Marseille, it was sensationally claimed he showed his players a contract offer from United to motivate them. At the time, Erik ten Hag was under immense pressure. De Zerbi allegedly told his squad: “This is where I could have been, but I put my passion before my money. I came to Marseille for the passion.” Elaborating on the recent snub, Crook added: “Speaking to people in Italy this morning... They were telling me that Roberto De Zerbi – before taking the Tottenham job — sounded out Manchester United and was told he wasn’t in the reckoning there. Is that because they have already made their mind up without making it public?”

The decision-making at United seems to be paying dividends, as the club have stabilised the ship and put themselves firmly in the hunt for Champions League football. They currently sit third in the Premier League table with 55 points, holding a comfortable six-point cushion over Liverpool. The caretaker manager's record of only one defeat in 10 matches has made a compelling case for him to remain in charge. For De Zerbi, the challenge at Tottenham Hotspur is vastly different. While he may have wanted the United job, he now finds his team in 17th place, just one point above the relegation zone with seven fixtures remaining.

According to talkSPORT, De Zerbi "sounded out" United before committing his future to Spurs. The former Brighton and Marseille boss was announced as the new manager at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 31, signing a lucrative five-year contract. However, despite the security offered by the club, reports from Italy indicate the 46-year-old made enquiries regarding the Old Trafford vacancy, only to be told he was not under consideration. This revelation suggests Spurs may have been a secondary choice for the Italian, who became a free agent after departing France in February.

The decision to turn down De Zerbi has sparked intense speculation that Manchester United have already decided on their next permanent move. Carrick has been acting as caretaker manager since Ruben Amorim departed in January, and his impressive form makes him the frontrunner. Speaking on White and Jordan, talkSPORT's chief football correspondent Alex Crook revealed: “Do you know what I find interesting about Michael Carrick. We’ve got to Easter Weekend and they’ve not spoken – as I understand – to any other candidates. That’s not to say Carrick has been interviewed for the job. I don’t think they’ll need to interview him. I think they either give it to him or they don’t.”

This is not the first time De Zerbi has been linked with the Old Trafford hot seat. During his time at Marseille, it was sensationally claimed he showed his players a contract offer from United to motivate them. At the time, Erik ten Hag was under immense pressure. De Zerbi allegedly told his squad: “This is where I could have been, but I put my passion before my money. I came to Marseille for the passion.” Elaborating on the recent snub, Crook added: “Speaking to people in Italy this morning... They were telling me that Roberto De Zerbi – before taking the Tottenham job — sounded out Manchester United and was told he wasn’t in the reckoning there. Is that because they have already made their mind up without making it public?”

The decision-making at United seems to be paying dividends, as the club have stabilised the ship and put themselves firmly in the hunt for Champions League football. They currently sit third in the Premier League table with 55 points, holding a comfortable six-point cushion over Liverpool. The caretaker manager's record of only one defeat in 10 matches has made a compelling case for him to remain in charge. For De Zerbi, the challenge at Tottenham Hotspur is vastly different. While he may have wanted the United job, he now finds his team in 17th place, just one point above the relegation zone with seven fixtures remaining.

Speaking to Tottenham's official website in his first interview, De Zerbi issued a defiant message regarding his long-term future at the club. As Spurs gear up for a desperate survival scrap in the final seven games of the season, the manager addressed the worst-case scenario. Despite arriving under the most difficult of circumstances, he emphasised his absolute loyalty to the project, effectively ending any speculation that he might activate an exit clause. Setting the record straight regarding the prospect of relegation, he declared: “I signed five years of contract because, for me, it's a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season, no matter what.”

While renowned for the intricate style that revolutionised Brighton & Hove Albion, the new boss insists that his aesthetic approach must take a back seat to the harsh reality of a relegation battle. With a crucial trip to Sunderland looming on April 12, the focus has shifted entirely toward results. He admitted that survival trumps the beauty of build-up play right now. “It's not the right moment to speak about my philosophy for football,” he explained. “I’m here now at the end of the season because we have to win the games. In football, the style of play, the tactical disposition are important. There is a mentality and I would like to help the players to reach the best mentality we can show.”

Despite his pragmatism regarding the current predicament, the Italian offered a glimpse into how he expects his side to function in transition. Demanding total commitment at both ends of the pitch, he detailed his expectations for the team's collective work rate: “I love keeping the ball, I love possession, I love great chances to score, but at the same time, I love 11 defenders when we have not the ball, because in this time of football, we have to attack with 11 players, with the goalkeeper as well, and we have to defend with 11 players when the ball is not for us.”

Relying on the squad's inherent ability, he noted: “In this moment, we have no time to work too much on more principles, but we have to know what we have to do on the pitch. We have to have a good organisation, with the ball, without the ball. We have to consider the qualities of the players. We are lucky - I am lucky - because I have big players with big talent and my work is to help the players to show their qualities.”

The reality of Tottenham's situation is stark. The club sit 17th in the Premier League table on 30 points, hovering a precarious one point above West Ham United in the relegation zone. De Zerbi’s tenure begins with a trip to Sunderlandon April 12, followed by a home clash against his former employers, Brighton. The run-in includes absolute must-win fixtures against basement club Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 25 and 15th-placed Leeds United on May 11. However, Spurs will also have to navigate difficult away tests against high-flying Aston Villa and Chelsea before concluding their campaign at home to Everton on May 24. With their top-flight status hanging by a thread, every single point will be crucial.

Vuskovic confirmed his intentions in an interview with the German outlet Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. The 19-year-old is currently refining his game on loan at Hamburg in the Bundesliga, where his stellar performances have caught the eye. The youngster originally agreed to join Spurs from Hajduk Split last summer but has spent the current campaign developing his skills abroad. His output has been remarkably high for a centre-back, scoring five goals in 25 appearances. This goal-scoring touch, combined with his defensive presence, proves his stock is rapidly rising on the continent.

Speaking directly about the speculation surrounding his future, Vuskovic remained realistic about the transfer market but highlighted his long-term commitment. The defender provided the exact reassurance the club need right now. "In football, you never know," Vuskovic said. "It could happen next year, or in 10 years. I don't want to promise anyone anything. After this season, I'll be a Tottenham player again. I have a contract there until 2030." This full commitment ends fears he might seek a permanent move elsewhere before making a competitive debut for his parent club.

The return of the young centre-half will provide a vital boost for De Zerbi, as Tottenham have a summer of upheaval ahead. The backline are expected to look very different next season, with veteran Ben Davies likely to depart upon the expiration of his contract. Davies is sidelined for the remainder of the campaign with a broken ankle. Furthermore, the club are facing the threat of a shock relegation, casting doubt over the futures of star duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. This uncertainty is compounded by heavy interest from abroad. Romero has been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, while Van de Ven has attracted serious attention from Spanish giants, as Barcelona have made him a primary target alongside Real Madrid. If Spurs have to lose established internationals, they will need Vuskovic to hit the ground running. For now, the teenager focuses on finishing the season strongly before his loan expires on June 30.

Vuskovic confirmed his intentions in an interview with the German outlet Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. The 19-year-old is currently refining his game on loan at Hamburg in the Bundesliga, where his stellar performances have caught the eye. The youngster originally agreed to join Spurs from Hajduk Split last summer but has spent the current campaign developing his skills abroad. His output has been remarkably high for a centre-back, scoring five goals in 25 appearances. This goal-scoring touch, combined with his defensive presence, proves his stock is rapidly rising on the continent.

Speaking directly about the speculation surrounding his future, Vuskovic remained realistic about the transfer market but highlighted his long-term commitment. The defender provided the exact reassurance the club need right now. "In football, you never know," Vuskovic said. "It could happen next year, or in 10 years. I don't want to promise anyone anything. After this season, I'll be a Tottenham player again. I have a contract there until 2030." This full commitment ends fears he might seek a permanent move elsewhere before making a competitive debut for his parent club.

The return of the young centre-half will provide a vital boost for De Zerbi, as Tottenham have a summer of upheaval ahead. The backline are expected to look very different next season, with veteran Ben Davies likely to depart upon the expiration of his contract. Davies is sidelined for the remainder of the campaign with a broken ankle. Furthermore, the club are facing the threat of a shock relegation, casting doubt over the futures of star duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. This uncertainty is compounded by heavy interest from abroad. Romero has been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, while Van de Ven has attracted serious attention from Spanish giants, as Barcelona have made him a primary target alongside Real Madrid. If Spurs have to lose established internationals, they will need Vuskovic to hit the ground running. For now, the teenager focuses on finishing the season strongly before his loan expires on June 30.

Speaking to Tottenham's official website in his first interview, De Zerbi issued a defiant message regarding his long-term future at the club. As Spurs gear up for a desperate survival scrap in the final seven games of the season, the manager addressed the worst-case scenario. Despite arriving under the most difficult of circumstances, he emphasised his absolute loyalty to the project, effectively ending any speculation that he might activate an exit clause. Setting the record straight regarding the prospect of relegation, he declared: “I signed five years of contract because, for me, it's a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season, no matter what.”

While renowned for the intricate style that revolutionised Brighton & Hove Albion, the new boss insists that his aesthetic approach must take a back seat to the harsh reality of a relegation battle. With a crucial trip to Sunderland looming on April 12, the focus has shifted entirely toward results. He admitted that survival trumps the beauty of build-up play right now. “It's not the right moment to speak about my philosophy for football,” he explained. “I’m here now at the end of the season because we have to win the games. In football, the style of play, the tactical disposition are important. There is a mentality and I would like to help the players to reach the best mentality we can show.”

Despite his pragmatism regarding the current predicament, the Italian offered a glimpse into how he expects his side to function in transition. Demanding total commitment at both ends of the pitch, he detailed his expectations for the team's collective work rate: “I love keeping the ball, I love possession, I love great chances to score, but at the same time, I love 11 defenders when we have not the ball, because in this time of football, we have to attack with 11 players, with the goalkeeper as well, and we have to defend with 11 players when the ball is not for us.”

Relying on the squad's inherent ability, he noted: “In this moment, we have no time to work too much on more principles, but we have to know what we have to do on the pitch. We have to have a good organisation, with the ball, without the ball. We have to consider the qualities of the players. We are lucky - I am lucky - because I have big players with big talent and my work is to help the players to show their qualities.”

The reality of Tottenham's situation is stark. The club sit 17th in the Premier League table on 30 points, hovering a precarious one point above West Ham United in the relegation zone. De Zerbi’s tenure begins with a trip to Sunderlandon April 12, followed by a home clash against his former employers, Brighton. The run-in includes absolute must-win fixtures against basement club Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 25 and 15th-placed Leeds United on May 11. However, Spurs will also have to navigate difficult away tests against high-flying Aston Villa and Chelsea before concluding their campaign at home to Everton on May 24. With their top-flight status hanging by a thread, every single point will be crucial.

Speaking to Tottenham's official website in his first interview, De Zerbi issued a defiant message regarding his long-term future at the club. As Spurs gear up for a desperate survival scrap in the final seven games of the season, the manager addressed the worst-case scenario. Despite arriving under the most difficult of circumstances, he emphasised his absolute loyalty to the project, effectively ending any speculation that he might activate an exit clause. Setting the record straight regarding the prospect of relegation, he declared: “I signed five years of contract because, for me, it's a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season, no matter what.”

While renowned for the intricate style that revolutionised Brighton & Hove Albion, the new boss insists that his aesthetic approach must take a back seat to the harsh reality of a relegation battle. With a crucial trip to Sunderland looming on April 12, the focus has shifted entirely toward results. He admitted that survival trumps the beauty of build-up play right now. “It's not the right moment to speak about my philosophy for football,” he explained. “I’m here now at the end of the season because we have to win the games. In football, the style of play, the tactical disposition are important. There is a mentality and I would like to help the players to reach the best mentality we can show.”

Despite his pragmatism regarding the current predicament, the Italian offered a glimpse into how he expects his side to function in transition. Demanding total commitment at both ends of the pitch, he detailed his expectations for the team's collective work rate: “I love keeping the ball, I love possession, I love great chances to score, but at the same time, I love 11 defenders when we have not the ball, because in this time of football, we have to attack with 11 players, with the goalkeeper as well, and we have to defend with 11 players when the ball is not for us.”

Relying on the squad's inherent ability, he noted: “In this moment, we have no time to work too much on more principles, but we have to know what we have to do on the pitch. We have to have a good organisation, with the ball, without the ball. We have to consider the qualities of the players. We are lucky - I am lucky - because I have big players with big talent and my work is to help the players to show their qualities.”

The reality of Tottenham's situation is stark. The club sit 17th in the Premier League table on 30 points, hovering a precarious one point above West Ham United in the relegation zone. De Zerbi’s tenure begins with a trip to Sunderlandon April 12, followed by a home clash against his former employers, Brighton. The run-in includes absolute must-win fixtures against basement club Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 25 and 15th-placed Leeds United on May 11. However, Spurs will also have to navigate difficult away tests against high-flying Aston Villa and Chelsea before concluding their campaign at home to Everton on May 24. With their top-flight status hanging by a thread, every single point will be crucial.

Speaking to Tottenham's official website in his first interview, De Zerbi issued a defiant message regarding his long-term future at the club. As Spurs gear up for a desperate survival scrap in the final seven games of the season, the manager addressed the worst-case scenario. Despite arriving under the most difficult of circumstances, he emphasised his absolute loyalty to the project, effectively ending any speculation that he might activate an exit clause. Setting the record straight regarding the prospect of relegation, he declared: “I signed five years of contract because, for me, it's a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season, no matter what.”

While renowned for the intricate style that revolutionised Brighton & Hove Albion, the new boss insists that his aesthetic approach must take a back seat to the harsh reality of a relegation battle. With a crucial trip to Sunderland looming on April 12, the focus has shifted entirely toward results. He admitted that survival trumps the beauty of build-up play right now. “It's not the right moment to speak about my philosophy for football,” he explained. “I’m here now at the end of the season because we have to win the games. In football, the style of play, the tactical disposition are important. There is a mentality and I would like to help the players to reach the best mentality we can show.”

Despite his pragmatism regarding the current predicament, the Italian offered a glimpse into how he expects his side to function in transition. Demanding total commitment at both ends of the pitch, he detailed his expectations for the team's collective work rate: “I love keeping the ball, I love possession, I love great chances to score, but at the same time, I love 11 defenders when we have not the ball, because in this time of football, we have to attack with 11 players, with the goalkeeper as well, and we have to defend with 11 players when the ball is not for us.”

Relying on the squad's inherent ability, he noted: “In this moment, we have no time to work too much on more principles, but we have to know what we have to do on the pitch. We have to have a good organisation, with the ball, without the ball. We have to consider the qualities of the players. We are lucky - I am lucky - because I have big players with big talent and my work is to help the players to show their qualities.”

The reality of Tottenham's situation is stark. The club sit 17th in the Premier League table on 30 points, hovering a precarious one point above West Ham United in the relegation zone. De Zerbi’s tenure begins with a trip to Sunderlandon April 12, followed by a home clash against his former employers, Brighton. The run-in includes absolute must-win fixtures against basement club Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 25 and 15th-placed Leeds United on May 11. However, Spurs will also have to navigate difficult away tests against high-flying Aston Villa and Chelsea before concluding their campaign at home to Everton on May 24. With their top-flight status hanging by a thread, every single point will be crucial.

Speaking to Tottenham's official website in his first interview, De Zerbi issued a defiant message regarding his long-term future at the club. As Spurs gear up for a desperate survival scrap in the final seven games of the season, the manager addressed the worst-case scenario. Despite arriving under the most difficult of circumstances, he emphasised his absolute loyalty to the project, effectively ending any speculation that he might activate an exit clause. Setting the record straight regarding the prospect of relegation, he declared: “I signed five years of contract because, for me, it's a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season, no matter what.”

While renowned for the intricate style that revolutionised Brighton & Hove Albion, the new boss insists that his aesthetic approach must take a back seat to the harsh reality of a relegation battle. With a crucial trip to Sunderland looming on April 12, the focus has shifted entirely toward results. He admitted that survival trumps the beauty of build-up play right now. “It's not the right moment to speak about my philosophy for football,” he explained. “I’m here now at the end of the season because we have to win the games. In football, the style of play, the tactical disposition are important. There is a mentality and I would like to help the players to reach the best mentality we can show.”

Despite his pragmatism regarding the current predicament, the Italian offered a glimpse into how he expects his side to function in transition. Demanding total commitment at both ends of the pitch, he detailed his expectations for the team's collective work rate: “I love keeping the ball, I love possession, I love great chances to score, but at the same time, I love 11 defenders when we have not the ball, because in this time of football, we have to attack with 11 players, with the goalkeeper as well, and we have to defend with 11 players when the ball is not for us.”

Relying on the squad's inherent ability, he noted: “In this moment, we have no time to work too much on more principles, but we have to know what we have to do on the pitch. We have to have a good organisation, with the ball, without the ball. We have to consider the qualities of the players. We are lucky - I am lucky - because I have big players with big talent and my work is to help the players to show their qualities.”

The reality of Tottenham's situation is stark. The club sit 17th in the Premier League table on 30 points, hovering a precarious one point above West Ham United in the relegation zone. De Zerbi’s tenure begins with a trip to Sunderlandon April 12, followed by a home clash against his former employers, Brighton. The run-in includes absolute must-win fixtures against basement club Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 25 and 15th-placed Leeds United on May 11. However, Spurs will also have to navigate difficult away tests against high-flying Aston Villa and Chelsea before concluding their campaign at home to Everton on May 24. With their top-flight status hanging by a thread, every single point will be crucial.

Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero’s father, Víctor, has responded to recent reports suggesting his son could be eyeing a move away from north London.

Speaking to Cadena 3 about the latest rumours, Victor admitted the situation has escalated rapidly. “It’s a bombshell that keeps getting bigger. I hope it’s true; as a Belgrano fan and a father, what more could I want, but I don’t know anything,” he stated.

He expressed surprise at the claims, noting that "Cuti isn’t one to make statements, that’s why it surprises me.”

One of the most significant revelations involves the financial terms required to prise the World Cup winner away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Despite signing a new contract recently, it appears that specific mechanisms are in place that allow certain clubs to trigger a move for a fixed fee. Romero's father confirmed that the Spurs would look to at least recoup their initial investment should a sale occur. “He has two more years on his contract with Tottenham and a very high release clause. The English club isn’t going to let him go for free; it’s between $50-70m [€43.4-60.6m]. For me, they’ll want to recover what they invested,” he explained.

Reports have previously suggested a special "preferential" clause allows the Spanish trio of Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona to secure him for €60m (£52m/$69m).

The defender's father's comments come at a time when the player himself has admitted to feeling the strain of Tottenham's difficult season.

Spurs currently find themselves in a precarious position in the Premier League, sitting just one point above the relegation zone under new management.

While on international duty, the centre-back gave a blunt assessment of his current situation. He confessed that he is "not having the best time" at Tottenham, although he reaffirmed his professionalism.

"Beyond everything, I have to get myself right, I have to focus on the club now," he added, acknowledging the need to help the team climb away from the bottom of the table.

Perhaps the most shocking aspect of the recent news cycle is the report that Romero could eventually look to return to his roots at Club Atletico Belgrano. While a move to a European giant like Real Madrid remains the most likely professional step, the sentimental pull of his boyhood club remains a factor for the future.

“I don’t know anything, but in football anything can happen," Victor Romero added when pressed on the Belgrano links. "Today you might be thinking about being close to your family, and tomorrow they put together a team to win the championship and everything changes. I don’t want to lie.”