CaughtOffside

De Zerbi appointment would shut door on dream Pochettino return

For a large section of the Spurs faithful, the news brings a bittersweet realisation: the door on a romantic return for Mauricio Pochettino appears firmly shut for now.

Despite Pochettino being available and willing to take the Spurs job regardless of their Premier League status, his current commitments with the United States National Team ahead of the 2026 World Cup made an immediate move to N17 logistically impossible.

If the deal is finalised, De Zerbi will be tasked with the immediate mission of securing Premier League safety, starting with a daunting trip to Sunderland on April 12.

Belgian midfielder Mandela Keita has been linked with a move away from Parma at the end of the season and Tottenham Hotspur are keen on him.

The North London club have scouted him extensively and they are prepared to make a move in the summer. It remains to be seen whether the Italian club is prepared to sell the 23 year-old at the end of the season. The defensive midfielder has been a key player for them, and his departure would be a blow.

However, the opportunity to join a Premier league club will be hard to turn down for the Belgian. It would be a massive opportunity for him, and he will look to take the next step in his career. Tottenham need a quality defensive midfielder like him who can help them protect the back four and control games.

As per reports via SportWitness, Aston Villa are interested in the player as well. They need more quality and depth in the team if they want to build a side capable of competing in Europe regularly.

The midfielder has a contract with Parma until 2029, and they are under no pressure to sell him in the summer. Tottenham and Aston Villa will have to come forward with an outrageous offer in order to convince them.

The 23 year-old has the physical and technical attributes for Premier League football and he could establish himself as a key player for either club. Even though they might have to pay a premium right now, the Belgian might be able to justify the investment in future.

Aston Villa are currently pushing for Champions League qualification. On the other hand, Tottenham are fighting for survival in the Premier League. It will be interesting to see where the 23 year-old ends up.

Former Brighton and Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi may now be open to taking over as Tottenham manager straight away.

The Italian tactician is out of work at the moment after leaving Marseille earlier this season, and has long been regarded as one of the top coaches in the game.

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Fabrizio Romano reported on his YouTube channel yesterday that De Zerbi was Spurs’ top target, but that his preference was to take over in the summer.

Still, Romano added that Tottenham were pushing to convince De Zerbi to take the job now, and it seems they may have made some progress in persuading him to change his mind.

Roberto De Zerbi evaluating five-year Tottenham contract

See below as reliable Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims that De Zerbi is now open to joining THFC this season on a five-year contract…

Apertura di De Zerbi a valutare l'offerta del Tottenham, che propone 5 anni di contratto: prossime ore decisive per il sì

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) March 30, 2026

It seems the coming hours will be decisive, with Spurs possibly closing in on their ideal managerial appointment.

If the north Londoners can get this through then it surely boosts their chances of avoiding relegation this season.

Roberto De Zerbi’s impressive record

De Zerbi is yet to take charge of a truly elite European club, but he’s become well known for over-achieving with his teams and getting them to play an attractive brand of football.

Things didn’t go entirely to plan for him at Marseille, but he still left with a decent record, and Tottenham will know all about his Premier League credentials after the job he did at Brighton.

De Zerbi record Wins Draws Losses Win % Shakhtar 20 5 5 66.67% Brighton 38 22 29 42.70% Marseille 39 10 20 56.52%

Igor Tudor’s exit from Spurs was officially announced yesterday and it looks like the right call after his awful record since taking over on an interim basis.

It won’t necessarily be easy for any manager to get Tottenham out of danger of relegation, but De Zerbi seems like the best possible bet for the club at this stage.

Tottenham defender Ben Davies has emerged as a serious option to take over as interim player-manager.

Following Spurs’ second managerial sacking of the season, The Telegraph reports that the Spurs hierarchy is considering the veteran Welshman as part of a seven-man shortlist to lead the club through its relegation battle.

Tottenham currently sit in 17th place, just one point above the relegation zone, and are remarkably the only team in the Premier League without a single win in 2026.

With the club winless in 13 league matches, the board is reportedly open to another short-term appointment if they fail to convince Roberto De Zerbi to join immediately.

Tottenham defender Ben Davies considered for interim role

While the idea of a current player taking the reins in a relegation dogfight is rare, Davies is uniquely prepared for the transition.

The 32-year-old, who has been a fixture at the club since 2014, has been quietly preparing for a career in the dugout for years.

In March 2024, Davies was officially awarded his UEFA A and Elite Youth A Licence, having balanced his playing duties with coaching at the Tottenham Hotspur Academy.

Despite currently being sidelined with a fractured ankle suffered in January, Davies remains the longest-serving member of the squad and is viewed as a unifying figure who understands the club.

If Davies is appointed, he would join an elite list of figures who have juggled playing and managing in the Premier League.

High-profile examples include Sir Kenny Dalglish, who famously led Liverpool to a Double as player-manager, and Ryan Giggs, who took interim charge of Manchester United in 2014 while still making appearances.

However, with the Premier League survival on the line, the stakes for Davies would be arguably higher than anyone else.

With Spurs facing their lowest points tally since 1915, the board is also considering experienced “firefighters” like Sean Dyche and former managers Harry Redknapp and Glenn Hoddle.

Tottenham legend Jermain Defoe has been officially named the new manager of National League side Woking Football Club.

The appointment, confirmed by the club, marks Defoe’s first permanent step into senior management after building his coaching credentials within the Tottenham academy and serving as a player-coach at Rangers under Steven Gerrard.

Woking Football Club is pleased to confirm the appointment of Jermain Defoe as the club’s new Manager. ??

— Woking Football Club (@wokingfc) March 29, 2026

Jermain Defoe has previously revealed dream to manage Tottenham

While Defoe is fully committed to the task at hand in Surrey, he has never hidden his ultimate coaching ambitions.

Speaking previously to the Daily Mail, the prolific former striker admitted that returning to his beloved Spurs in a managerial capacity would be ‘amazing’.

He said: “It would be amazing to manage Tottenham. And the crazy thing about football is you never know. An opportunity could be around the corner.”

Defoe remains one of the most beloved figures in Tottenham’s modern history.

Over two spells at White Hart Lane, he netted 143 goals, making him the sixth-highest goalscorer in the club’s history.

While he could still land his dream role later on in his career, for now, the task in hand is a promotion push with the Cardinals, where he will look to prove he has what it takes to become a top class manager.

Spurs managerial search continues after Igor Tudor exit

The news of Defoe’s appointment comes at a chaotic time for his former club.

Tottenham are currently scouring the market for their third manager of the season following the departure of Igor Tudor on Sunday.

With Spurs sitting just one point above the Premier League relegation zone, the vacancy is seen as one of the most high-pressure roles in European football.

Roberto De Zerbi is their top target, with Spurs reportedly pushing hard to secure him immediately.

Sean Dyche, Glen Hoddle and some other names remain short-term candidates if Roberto De Zerbi is not convinced for the role at this stage.

Tottenham have officially confirmed that head coach Igor Tudor has left the club by mutual agreement, ending a disastrous 44-day tenure that has pushed the North London giants to the brink of relegation.

The announcement, made on Sunday evening, also confirmed the departures of goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic and physical coach Riccardo Ragnacci.

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Tudor’s brief reign will go down as one of the most difficult periods in the club’s modern history.

Tasked with steadying the ship after replacing Thomas Frank in February, the Croatian managed to win just one of his seven games in charge, a 3-2 Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid that was ultimately insufficient to prevent a 5-7 aggregate exit.

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… pic.twitter.com/I6HUdLdewL

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 29, 2026

Alex Crook: Igor Tudor leaves without a payoff

According to talkSPORT’s Chief Football Correspondent Alex Crook, the parting of ways was exceptionally clean from a financial perspective.

As per the journalist, Tudor has agreed to walk away from Tottenham without a termination payoff.

Sources close to Igor Tudor have told @talkSPORT he walks away from #THFC without a pay off.

— Alex Crook ??? (@alex_crook) March 29, 2026

The decision to waive a severance package suggests a mutual recognition that the appointment simply hadn’t worked.

Under Tudor, Spurs failed to win any of their five Premier League fixtures, picking up just a single point in a -1-1 draw against Liverpool while conceding 20 goals across all competitions.

While the results on the pitch were undeniably poor, the sudden nature of the decision has also been linked to a significant personal tragedy.

Tudor reportedly learned of the passing of his father, Mario, immediately following the humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on March 22.

The club’s official statement noted the “bereavement that Igor has recently suffered,” sending their support to him and his family.

The loss of his father, coupled with the “toxic” atmosphere following the Forest debacle, is believed to have been a major factor in Tudor’s desire to step away during the international break.

What’s next for Tottenham?

With only seven games remaining, each game is a cup final for the club as they sit just one point above the relegation zone in 17th place.

Tottenham now face an emergency search for a new manager. Firefighter manager Sean Dyche has already revealed that there have been no talks with Spurs as yet.

Others linked with the role include former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, with the club strongly interested in him.

Sean Dyche has broken his silence on the intensifying rumors linking him to the Tottenham Hotspur job, describing the North London outfit as a “massive” club while dismissing reports of immediate talks.

The former Everton and Burnley boss, widely regarded as English football’s premier “firefighter,” has seen him linked with the Spurs job as their nightmare 2025/26 season threatens to end in a historic relegation.

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Speaking during a guest appearance on talkSPORT, Dyche laughed off a recent social media frenzy sparked by a fan sighting in a London pub.

Despite the lighthearted tone, the gravity of Tottenham’s situation remains undeniable as the club enters a high-stakes international break.

Sean Dyche admits no talks with Tottenham as yet

Addressing the speculation that he was meeting with Spurs chairman on Friday night, Dyche revealed the reality was far more grounded.

“It’s brilliant, honestly,” Dyche laughed. “I was in the pub just up the way near my place… and this guy goes, ‘Ah, you’re meant to be in talks with Spurs tonight?’ And I say, ‘I’m sat next to you having a pint of Guinness, so it’s unlikely, unless you work for Spurs!'”

While confirming no formal contact has been made, Dyche was full of praise for the club. “You try to be respectful because let’s use Tottenham as an example. A brilliant club, massive club… one of my first ever memories is Ricky Villa’s goal [in 1981]. So you go, ‘Yeah, I’m flattered.'”

? Sean Dyche on talkSPORT! ?

Sean Dyche reacts to rumours of him being linked to Spurs, as the north London club face a relegation scrap ?

? Watch the full discussion on our YouTube channel: https://t.co/PfilEzxvja pic.twitter.com/baEUVNXMQH

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) March 28, 2026

The links to a recently sacked Dyche come as interim head coach Igor Tudor struggles to stem a collapse that has seen Tottenham fail to win a single Premier League match in 2026.

Following a devastating 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend, Spurs have slumped to 17th place, sitting just one point above the relegation zone with only seven matches remaining.

Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank in February, has overseen five defeats in his seven games across all competitions.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Moroccan international Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old has been a very important player for Real Madrid, and they do not want to lose him. However, they need to improve the squad, and they could free up space by selling him for the right offer.

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Arsenal and Tottenham keen on Brahim Diaz

According to a report from Sports Boom, Arsenal and Tottenham are very interested in signing the “match-winner”, and an offer of around €45 million could get the deal done. The two London clubs are very serious about securing his signature, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done. Brentford and Crystal Palace are also interested in the AFCON Golden Boot winner.

Liverpool have also been linked with the player recently.

The report claims that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is an admirer of Diaz, and Arsenal are preparing an offer of €35 million plus bonuses to sign the player.

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham follows up on their interest with an official proposal to sign the player. They wanted to sign Diaz when Thomas Frank was in charge as well.

Diaz would be a superb addition

Both clubs need more quality in the final third, and the 26-year-old is a dynamic attacker who can slot into multiple roles and help them improve. His ability to create chances and find the back of the net makes him a very handy asset.

The opportunity to play regularly in the Premier League could be exciting for the Moroccan. He will not want to sit on the Real Madrid bench as a squad option. He is at the peak of his career, and he needs more gametime. It remains to be seen how the situation develops over the next few months.

Chelsea have an interest in Tottenham wonderkid central defender Luka Vuskovic ahead of the summer transfer window, CaughtOffside understands.

The talented 19-year-old has been linked with a host of top clubs, including Chelsea, in German media, and our sources have confirmed these claims to be accurate.

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The Blues are known for scouring the market for the best young players in world football, and Vuskovic certainly looks to be establishing himself in that department.

The Croatia international is yet to play a single minute for Spurs but has looked hugely impressive with his defensive displays for Hamburg during his loan spell in the Bundesliga this season.

“It’s true that Chelsea are interested,” one well-connected source told us. “They’ve done their homework on him and he’s high up on their list as they look for a new centre-back.”

Luka Vuskovic transfer won’t come cheap

Other sources also confirmed Chelsea’s interest, while others once again mentioned Bayern Munich as being big admirers of the teenager, though it’s unclear if a defender is a priority for them at this stage.

Chelsea’s interest is the strongest for the moment, according to most of the people we’ve spoken to, but others such as Liverpool and Barcelona could also be in the mix.

However, one issue for interested clubs is that Tottenham are not at all keen to let Vuskovic go, and he may already have a market value of around €100m (£86m).

Chelsea have shown that they are prepared to invest big money in elite young talents like that, so it might be that this kind of deal isn’t beyond them.

Still, Spurs are in control of the situation as Vuskovic is tied down to a contract until 2030.

Tottenham relaxed over Luka Vuskovic interest

For what it’s worth, THFC sources insist they have not been approached over Vuskovic and that they do not plan to sell.

That sends a clear message, but the nature of the transfer market is often such that clubs don’t enter into direct negotiations until quite late on after talks between other parties.

It has not yet been confirmed if Chelsea have spoken to anyone around Vuskovic, but the sense is that that could happen soon.

Liverpool were linked with the on-loan Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida during the January transfer window.

It appears they remain keen on the player, and they could look to make a move for him in the summer. According to TEAMtalk, the 25-year-old defender has impressed since joining Sunderland on loan from RB Leipzig last summer, and his ability to play in multiple roles has caught Liverpool’s attention.

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Lutsharel Geertruida asking price revealed

The defender could be available for £20 million in the summer, and it remains to be seen whether Liverpool can get the deal done. They need more quality and depth at right back. Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong have struggled with injury problems. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can bring in the Dutch International.

The opportunity to join Liverpool will be quite exciting for the player.

Where will Geertruida end up?

Meanwhile, Aston Villa, Everton, Tottenham and Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on the defender as well. The versatile defender is likely to want to continue in the Premier League beyond this season. He is not a key player for the German club, and he won’t get regular playing time next season. It would be ideal for him to leave RB Leipzig permanently in the summer.

£20 million is a reasonable price for a player of his quality, and he could be a very useful acquisition for Liverpool.

Tottenham already have players like Pedro Porro and Djed Spence at their disposal. It would be quite surprising if they decided to invest in another right back. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.

Geertruida will want to join a club where he can play regularly and compete at a high level. The move to Liverpool is the best option for him.