Football FanCast

Man United are reportedly poised to make an 'immediate bid' for a near-£40 million player who Tottenham were in pole position to sign since last summer.

Man United make transfer plans as Carrick closes in on permanent job

The transformation at Old Trafford since Michael Carrick took the reins in January has been one of the most striking stories in English football this season.

Seven wins and just one defeat from ten league games in charge.

His achievements include a climb to third in the Premier League, Champions League qualification looking a near-certainty as things stand and inspiring a squad that looked broken under Ruben Amorim.

David Beckham spoke for many former players when he told talkSPORT the experience of watching United had become considerably more comfortable than it had been at any point in the past decade.

INEOS are watching just as closely.

Sky Sports reported last week that United have not approached a single alternative managerial candidate since Carrick's appointment — an emphatic statement of confidence in a man who officially only holds the job until the end of the season.

With Thomas Tuchel committed to England through the World Cup and Carlo Ancelotti having signed a Brazil extension, the high-profile alternatives have removed themselves from contention.

Carrick is now reported to be firmly among the final three names on the club's shortlist, while TEAMtalk suggest he is the outright frontrunner.

The permanent appointment still won't be confirmed until the summer, but the direction of travel is unmistakable.

That growing certainty about the managerial picture is freeing the recruitment department to plan boldly for what comes next.

Midfield is the clear priority, with Casemiro's contract expiring at season's end and Manuel Ugarte expected to follow him out.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed United are "working hard" on a deal for Sandro Tonali — the Italian midfielder Newcastle value at around £100m — with the Daily Mail reporting the club now has momentum in that pursuit.

A meeting with Bruno Guimaraes' representatives has also been reported, though Romano was measured in his assessment, noting there remains "a long way to go" before any deal materialises with Newcastle holding firm.

However, it is news from Italy today that will particularly catch the attention of Tottenham and United, with the former nursing hopes of signing Evan Ndicka since last summer.

Man United to make 'immediate bid' for Evan Ndicka in blow for Tottenham

According to SoloLaRoma, Man United have now formally entered the race for the 26-year-old Roma centre-back, with Bayern Munich also joining a group of suitors that already features Barcelona, Liverpool, Besiktas and Spurs.

United's entry alters the balance of a transfer pursuit that Spurs had appeared best-placed to win since mid-2025, and were believed to be favourites until now.

Ndicka is a left-footed, physically dominant central defender who joined Roma on a free from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 — where he was part of the side that won the Europa League a year earlier — and has developed into one of Serie A's most consistent performers.

SoloLaRoma also state that United are 'poised to leapfrog the competition with an immediate bid' for Ndicka.

He has featured 35 times across all competitions this season, scoring five, including in three consecutive league games.

Last season he became the first Roma outfield player since 2004 to play every single minute of every league fixture.

Former manager Claudio Ranieri called him "a warrior" who had been "phenomenal" for the club.

Roma's asking price sits around £39 million, but crucially, the club may be compelled to sell before June 30 due to financial obligations to UEFA — a detail that adds urgency to what is quickly becoming a crowded negotiation.

For United, addressing the centre-back position makes considerable sense.

A left-sided, ball-playing defender of Ndicka's calibre would complement Lisandro Martínez perfectly when fit, and provide competition for Harry Maguire, who is in advanced talks over a new deal.

Spurs spent months as favourites, but they may now find themselves outgunned entirely.

Well, Tottenham Hotspur have had one last roll of the dice, pushing to appoint Roberto De Zerbi after parting ways with Igor Tudor last week.

There's no denying that the north Londoners actually regressed under Tudor's wing, and after being dispatched in their own backyard by relegation rivals Nottingham Forest, languish in 17th-place, just one point ahead of West Ham United, who, it must be said, are in steady form.

De Zerbi is something of a contentious figure, a big, fiery personality, but maybe that's what Tottenham need. After all, he has Premier League experience and an attacking style of football that the players could get behind.

De Zerbi's Premier League record

While De Zerbi has a track record of having a rather short shelf life as a manager, Tottenham could do a lot worse than the Italian, who has been praised for his "unique" brand of possession-focused football by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

Names such as Harry Redknapp, Glenn Hoddle and Tim Sherwood have been bandied about.

Sean Dyche has also emerged as a contender to take the wheel of this sinking ship, but after being sacked by Nottingham Forest earlier this season, the 54-year-old surely isn't the best pick. His unimaginative football goes beyond pragmatic, and though he knows how to get an endangered team out of a pickle, De Zerbi is a galvanising, larger-than-life figure whose tactics the squad could get behind.

While his agressive on-the-ball approach could resonate with the starved Spurs fanbase, it won't work out for every player in the squad, with the club's highest earner actually at risk of being axed.

Spurs' highest earner could be finished after De Zerbi arrives

In January, Tottenham knew that they needed to improve, with their defence porous and their forwards misfiring.

The £36m signing of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid did little to appease the supporters, and though the Three Lions star has played regularly in Thomas Frank and then Tudor's midfield, he has hardly sparked a turnaround in fortunes.

Here's the problem: Gallagher, 26, has started seven Premier League matches since arriving in January, and though he's yet to create a big chance, he's lost the 9.3 times per game on average and has lost 55% of his duels.

Unable to provide a creative spark from midfield and lacking the kind of combative security that Tottenham need in the middle of the park.

He might have helped make Spurs more compact, but it's difficult to imagine De Zerbi handing the former Chelsea man a pivotal role in his system, which simply will not work to its ball-playing capacity with the Englishman pulling the strings.

Gallagher is an industrious midfielder, someone who has proven themselves in the Premier League in the past. And yet, there's no question that he has limitations in possession, and for him to earn more than any of his teammates in N17 speaks of the lack of leadership and positive direction that seeps right down from the board level.

Tottenham could hit the jackpot with De Zerbi at the helm. Should the Italian steer them away from relegation, his playing style could finally guide the Londoners back into the ascendancy, away from the peril they have been consumed by this season.

However, if that happens, it's hardly likely that Gallagher will be a linchpin in the middle of the park.

Fabrizio Romano has shared a late night Roberto De Zerbi update out of Tottenham.

It has been one of the most dramatic managerial merry-go-rounds of the Premier League season, barring Nottingham Forest, and it appears to be approaching its latest — and perhaps final — turn.

Tottenham confirmed Igor Tudor's departure by mutual consent on Sunday after just 44 days, one win and a harrowing 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest that left the club stranded one point above the relegation zone with seven games remaining.

The Croatian was the second manager to depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season, following Thomas Frank before him.

Spurs have not won a Premier League game in 2026, so the clock is ticking with enormous urgency.

Into that chaos has stepped De Zerbi, the Italian who transformed Brighton into a European qualifier, took Marseille back to the Champions League — albeit with a turbulent 18 months that ended in his departure earlier this year — and has since spent his time weighing his options from a position of considerable demand.

For weeks, he was understood to prefer waiting until the summer, reluctant to parachute into a relegation battle with ten days' preparation and a squad short of confidence.

However, Tottenham pushed and offered a significant financial package and the promise of building something substantial at one of England's most supported clubs.

And now, according to Romano tonight, they are on the brink of getting their man.

Tottenham on the verge of Roberto De Zerbi appointment

The transfer insider, speaking on his YouTube channel, delivered a characteristically decisive update on the situation.

"De Zerbi is really, really, really close to becoming the next Tottenham Hotspur manager," Romano said.

"Here we go, expected soon.

"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 a manager in the Premier League.

"Advanced discussions."

That final phrase — "advanced discussions" — combined with Romano's trademark "here we go" signal tells the story.

This is no longer a question of whether De Zerbi will become the Spurs manager but when the announcement arrives.

Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange have been handling negotiations, and the club's desire to have De Zerbi in place before players return from international duty — giving him around 10 days to prepare for Sunderland away on April 12 — may have driven the urgency on both sides.

The complications that were present earlier today have not disappeared entirely.

The question of whether a relegation release clause has been built into the deal remains unclear, and fan opposition from three supporter groups — Proud Lilywhites, Women of the Lane and Spurs Reach — continues over De Zerbi's public defence of Mason Greenwood during their time together at Marseille.

Those concerns are genuine and will not evaporate with an announcement.

But the football decision appears made. Tim Sherwood, who raised doubts earlier today about whether De Zerbi's expansive style is suited to a survival fight, acknowledged he would be a perfect long-term appointment if the immediate task of staying up can be navigated.

For a club that has lurched from crisis to crisis this season, some clarity is overdue. If Romano's confidence is justified — and it invariably is — De Zerbi will be the man charged with delivering it.

Tottenham Hotspur have been through their fair share of managers over the years, and the Londoners are gearing up for their third appointment of the campaign, with Roberto De Zerbi closing in on the vacant position.

How we arrived here is a complicated subject, but it's clear to see that Spurs are in real danger of being relegated from the Premier League, something that has never happened in its modern version, just a point ahead of 18th-place West Ham United with seven games to go. The Hammers have only lost twice since January, whereas Igor Tudor picked up just one point from six matches down N17.

Time is running out, and while Tottenham have rolled the dice and moved to appoint a manager described as "one of the best managers in the world" by Liverpool boss Arne Slot, it's undoubtedly a risky gambit from ENIC Group.

Why Spurs are pushing for De Zerbi

De Zerbi isn't the most experienced manager in England, but he did impress when at the Brighton helm, and the extensive groundwork that Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham have put in underlines his potential in the dugout.

Of course, De Zerbi's one and only objective is going to be staving off the imminent threat of relegation. Until that checkpoint has been reached, wider plans are immaterial.

Ambitious and an exponent of a unique attack-focused possession game, De Zerbi differs greatly from Thomas Frank and Tudor. This in itself is a risk, with little time for a new coach to implement fresh ideas - and with so much on the line.

However, it's hard to make a case for either of De Zerbi's potential predecessors having any success with more pragmatic takes.

When De Zerbi last managed in the Premier League, he turned Brighton into a dynamic attacking outfit. If he can replicate the success - in far more treacherous circumstances - at Tottenham, he could be hailed as a hero, but he must get the team selection right.

Indeed, fans will expect to see a number of things cemented from the off under the Italian's wing.

How Spurs could line up under De Zerbi

Tottenham would appoint an intense, vocal manager in De Zerbi, and maybe that's what these beleaguered players need: a rousing leader who will whip them into shape.

It says a lot that Archie Gray, a 20-year-old prospect, has emerged as Tottenham's most mature and galvanising player in recent weeks, a shining light throughout this desperately dark spell, making good on praise from Redknapp last year that he is a "future Tottenham captain".

Gray will play a big part for the reason of the season, be that in his natural centre-midfield role or out wide, a moonlit job he has been assigned more than a few times throughout his Tottenham career. He's got the talent, actually hailed as a "future £100m" midfielder by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Lucas Bergvall's return from injury has come at a fortuitous time too. The young Swede has just as much talent as Gray, and his technical skill has even seen him compared to an ex-Lilywhite in Luka Modric, one of the greatest passers of his time.

The Athletic's JJ Bull actually said that the teenager has a first touch that is "like Modric" at the heart of the pitch, and this kind of skill will be crucial in getting the new system up and running.

Stylish up-and-coming talents such as these two can make a difference over the next several weeks, but Tottenham need to eradicate errors from their game, and that could mean De Zerbi needs to make a few tough calls, such as dropping Pedro Porro.

Porro might be one of the most talented players at the club, but Spurs aren't getting bang for their buck on the pitch, and with the Spaniard leaking mistakes from right-back, it could be time for Djed Spence to shift back into his natural berth.

Does Porro have a future at Tottenham? His playmaking ability is top-class, but too much has been left to be desired over the past few years, and he's been abject this season.

It's clear that many at this club need a clean break, and perhaps it's time for Porro to leave, with De Zerbi ushering in a new era and retaining the players who can make a marked difference over a number of years.

Tottenham are actively pursuing their replacement for Igor Tudor, and there has been another update today.

Tottenham manager search veers toward Roberto De Zerbi

The calls have been coming from all directions.

Tudor is now gone — 44 days, seven games, one victory — and the clock is ticking loudly with seven matches top flight matches remaining and a single point separating them from the relegation zone.

Roberto De Zerbi remains the name at the centre of everything.

Talks are ongoing today between Spurs and the out-of-work Italian, who has performed a significant U-turn by signalling his openness to considering the role immediately rather than waiting until the summer.

The 46-year-old is now evaluating a five-year contract proposal which would make him one of the highest paid managers in England, and the coming hours could prove decisive.

The Independent's Miguel Delaney reported that discussions have progressed to the point where the composition of De Zerbi's backroom staff is actively being worked through — a clear sign that an agreement is within reach.

Meanwhile, Alasdair Gold, one of the most reliable Lilywhites sources there is, says there is a growing confidence that the north Londoners will land De Zerbi now, rather than in the summer.

His potentially imminent appointment has been met with some backlash, though.

Fan opposition from three supporter groups, including Proud Lilywhites and Women of the Lane, continues to build momentum over his past public defence of Mason Greenwood at Marseille.

If talks fall through, it would be wise for Spurs to have alternatives, and one man they've reportedly discussed is ex-Monaco boss Adi Hutter.

Esteemed French newspaper L'Equipe even claimed last week that Hutter held talks with Tottenham over the job, but the Austrian has now made his stance pretty clear.

Adi Hutter rules himself out of Tottenham job after talks

Indeed, he put any reports of a Spurs move to bed.

Speaking to Sky Sports Austria this week, via GFFN, Hutter stated that his position has not moved since the day he left Monaco.

"Over the past few days and weeks, my name has been linked with various clubs with increasing frequency," he said.

"However, as I made clear at the end of my time at Monaco, I would prefer not to take up a head coaching role until the start of the new season at the earliest."

A definitive, unhesitating statement.

Hutter wants a full pre-season, a project to shape from scratch — not a relegation fight with 10 days' preparation and seven games to work with.

He is not the only one to have stepped away.

Sean Dyche's reported demand for a minimum 18-month contract has made a short-term arrangement difficult, while Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup commitments with the United States mean the fans' sentimental choice is simply not available.

The list of credible candidates willing to step into this situation is shrinking, meaning Spurs are banking on a full agreement with De Zerbi.

Tottenham still have some hurdles to navigate in talks with ex-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, despite some reports a breakthrough has been made.

De Zerbi favourite for Spurs job after Igor Tudor exit

The day Tottenham fans had been expecting arrived on Sunday.

Igor Tudor left the club by mutual consent after just 44 days and seven games in charge — a tenure so brief and so bleak it felt less like a managerial appointment and more like an extended audition that nobody passed.

One win, one point from his five Premier League outings, and the backdrop of a deeply personal tragedy with the passing of his father Mario adding a layer of dignity to what was otherwise a mercifully swift end.

Spurs now have their third manager of the season to appoint, still perched one precarious point above the relegation zone, with seven games left and a trip to Sunderland on April 12 looming as the first acid test.

And with the clock ticking, the man they have wanted for months has finally blinked.

De Zerbi — who had spent the best part of a week saying no to Tottenham — is now genuinely considering their approach to manage them right now.

Reliable Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported this morning that De Zerbi is open to evaluating a five-year contract proposal from Spurs, describing the coming hours as decisive.

Sky Sports confirmed talks are underway today, while The Independent's Miguel Delaney added that negotiations have progressed to the point where De Zerbi's backroom staff are now being discussed — a significant detail that suggests this is no longer a tentative conversation.

GiveMeSport even reported that a breakthrough has been made in talks with De Zerbi already and his appointment is beckoning, but while these claims are exciting to some, The Athletic state there are still potential roadblocks in the way.

Tottenham dealt De Zerbi hurdles despite lucrative contract offer

Indeed, the reliable news outlet reports that Spurs have submitted a long-term, lucrative financial offer that would make De Zerbi among the best-paid managers in the Premier League.

Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange have taken personal charge of negotiations, and the club's desire is to have him in place before players return from international duty — giving him approximately 10 days to prepare for Sunderland.

Bruno Saltor is leading training in the meantime.

However, "complications" apparently remain.

The Athletic's report makes those clear, with De Zerbi's fundamental reservation — the one that has seen him say no repeatedly since leaving Marseille in February — is the prospect of walking into a mid-season survival scrap with a team that has not won a league game in 2026.

His style of football, expansive and possession-driven, requires time to implement.

Tim Sherwood articulated the concern well on Sky Sports today: De Zerbi is "not that firefighter-type manager," and his teams can be opened up on the counter when things go wrong.

The question of whether his contract includes a relegation release clause adds another layer of complexity.

The Times reported that such a clause has been discussed as a mechanism to protect De Zerbi should the worst happen, but it remains unclear whether that proposal has been accepted or even formally tabled in the latest round of talks.

There is also the added hurdle of significant fan opposition, as per The Athletic again.

Three Tottenham supporter groups — Proud Lilywhites, Women of the Lane and Spurs Reach — have issued a joint statement opposing the appointment, citing De Zerbi's public defence of Mason Greenwood during their time together at Marseille.

The 'No to De Zerbi' campaign has gathered momentum across supporter platforms.

None of that appears to be stopping ENIC as things stand, though.

The offer is on the table, the talks are advanced, and a decision could well be made before the day is out.

Tottenham Hotspur have bitten the bullet and parted ways with Igor Tudor ahead of the final stretch of the Premier League season.

The Croatian boss had struggled after replacing Thomas Frank in February, and the 3-0 home defeat to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest before a family tragedy meant a parting of ways with the right call.

Nottingham Forest and West Ham United have both improved over the past few months, and Spurs' injury-hit team have lost every single game, bar one, since drawing at Manchester City at the start of February.

Tudor is not to blame for the mess that the 17th-place Lilywhites are in, but he's probably not the solution either, and with the March international break ongoing, ENIC Group are weighing up another managerial change ahead of the closing phase of the campaign.

The latest on Spurs' manager hunt

Tudor has left his post after only 44 days and seven matches in charge. Tottenham have not developed or hardened but actually regressed under the 47-year-old's management.

Any number of names have since surfaced. Roberto De Zerbi appears to be ENIC's top pick, though the controversial coach hasn't been too keen on taking the job before the summer.

Sean Dyche, unemployed since being sacked by Nottingham Forest, is another interesting option, though the relegation specialist is hardly going to inspire confidence in the fanbase or indeed the players, who have been totally shorn of confidence.

However, talkSPORT correspondent Alex Crook has revealed that Robbie Keane is also being considered, with the Ferencvaros manager in line to take over on an interim basis until the end of the term.

Keane, like Tudor, would take the reins on an interim basis without having any previous managerial experience in the Premier League. But the ex-Spurs striker knows the club well, and he was considered a frontrunner earlier this month, with talks having already been held regarding his availability.

However, there are more than a few differences which emphasise why this could be an excellent appointment for the Lilywhites.

Why Robbie Keane could be perfect for Spurs

Tottenham are threatened by relegation, and it goes without saying that they cannot fumble their next move.

Keane must be appointed. He's a manager on the up, with a front-footed, aggressive tactical approach that would align with the way in which the north Londoners and their fans want to play football. Furthermore, he is an interchangeable tactician and an adaptable manager, one that's actually played with a 3-5-2 at times, but also moved towards a 4-2-3-1 formation which would no doubt suit the particular strengths of this current crop.

Some believe that Keane should have been brought in as soon as Frank was sacked, but there's a sense that executives Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham failed to grasp the severity of the crisis down N17.

Dyche might know a thing or two about staving off the threat of relegation, but he's not the one. Keane could prove the difference-maker over these final weeks while potentially staking his claim for a long-term role as Tottenham's new project manager.

Players like Xavi Simons have been unable to find their feet in the Premier League this season, but much of Spurs' woes boils down to a crisis of confidence, as well as the undeniable ramifications of such massive injury-related losses.

In many ways, this final stretch of the season is on the players, who need to find some form and steer Spurs away from the danger zone.

Keane would arrive and command respect while nudging the players back into form through the implementation of a tactical style they could get behind. Conversely, Tudor's tactics were beyond questionable, and Dyche is as pragmatic as they come.

Time is running out, and each of Tottenham's remaining seven Premier League fixtures this season feels rather daunting. They cannot get this wrong, but by picking Keane, the Spurs superiors would surely rekindle the confidence and coherence that is proving the crux of this disastrous season.

After 44 dismal days in charge of Tottenham Hotspur, the hierarchy and Igor Tudor decided to mutually part ways. It was inevitable, really, wasn't it?

The Croat endured a dismal stay of execution in the Spurs dugout and it was only right that they called it quits.

Tudor leaves north London behind having overseen just one win in seven matches, and it was a fairly meaningless win at that, defeating Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the last 16 of the Champions League.

So, where do the Lilywhites turn to next? Well, there are a few names in their crosshairs.

Who will replace Igor Tudor at Tottenham?

With just seven games remaining in the season, finding someone who first and foremost wants the job and secondly, someone who would be willing to take it on such a short-term basis will no doubt prove difficult.

Mauricio Pochettino is one of the club's top targets, but the Argentine is unlikely to return to Tottenham, at least until after the World Cup.

He is currently in charge of the USA national team and will be leading America out at their home tournament. There's no chance he leaves that post before the competition gets underway.

Elsewhere, the Lilywhites hierarchy could look at a number of short-term options. Talks have reportedly been held in the past with Robbie Keane who is currently in charge of Ferencvaros in Hungary. He led them to title success last season but is widely thought to want a long-term contract if is to become Spurs boss.

Other options include some older heads. Harry Redknapp and Glenn Hoddle - two Spurs greats - are on the shortlist and it would be quite the return to north London if either of those two were given the post. Dare we say it, but that feels like something of a fantasy right now.

That said, their dream target lies elsewhere.

Fabrizio Romano took to his YouTube channel within minutes of Tudor's departure on Sunday to reveal that Tottenham's "dream" managerial target was Italian Roberto De Zerbi.

The former Brighton boss left his post at Marseille in France in early February and has been out of work since, with it thought that he was unwilling to return to the dugout until the summer.

Romano further revealed late on Sunday night that talks were "ongoing" with the 4-2-3-1 manager over becoming Spurs head coach immediately.

Well, according to Sky Sports in Italy, it looks as though a breakthrough may have been reached. They reported on Monday morning that De Zerbi is now open to taking on the job "immediately".

Heralded as "one of the best managers in the world" by Liverpool boss Arne Slot, this would be a seriously eye-catching hire but whether he's got the ability to carry one of English football's most historic clubs away from relegation remains to be seen.

It wasn't his fault, it was never going to be if Spurs suffered the dreaded drop. They haven't quite suffered that just yet but from the get-go, his appointment felt all wrong.

It didn't feel as though the hierarchy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium realised the severity of the situation they found themselves in. Well, they certainly realise now.

Just what direction ENIC and Co head in remains to be seen but there is already a clear frontrunner to replace the Croatian.

How Spurs could replace Igor Tudor

Replacing Tudor will be no easy task for Spurs given the situation they find themselves in. With just seven games left of the Premier League campaign, this is now a do or die situation.

So, where do they turn to? Well, one of their number one targets in Mauricio Pochettino is simply a no-go with the Argentine understandably unwilling to leave USA in the lurch ahead of a World Cup. They could, however, secure his services once the global event is done.

As a result, short-term options have been considered too with a whole number of names in the frame from the great Glenn Hoddle to the jovial Harry Redknapp.

That said, the primary target is Roberto De Zerbi. Fabrizio Romano revealed just minutes after Tudor's departure from north London that he is Spurs' "dream target" and the same reporter has since followed that with fresh news on the saga playing out.

Indeed, Romano took to X late on Sunday evening to report that Spurs are "pushing" in their bid to bring De Zerbi back to England "immediately".

The Italian left his position as Marseille manager at the beginning of February and is now a free agent. That said, he has been unwilling to join Tottenham until the summer when their future is clearer.

Romano further notes that talks are "ongoing" to convince De Zerbi to take up the position and that they see him as an "ideal candidate" for the long-term.

Why De Zerbi is a great fit for Tottenham

For weeks Pochettino's name has been sung and serenaded. Supporters even bumped into him on a plane to Madrid and cried for his immediate return to England.

However, that idea seems something of a fantasy right now and if they were to be relegated, they would surely surrender any hope they had of bringing the Argentine to Spurs.

De Zerbi also feels like something of a fantasy too, particularly as he's reportedly made it clear he doesn't want to head back into management until the summer.

Yet, if they are able to get the Italian to sign on the dotted line either now, or in the summer, they could hire someone of a similar ilk and certainly similar calibre to the great Pochettino.

In a sense, De Zerbi is something of a hybrid between Pochettino and fellow former boss Ange Postecoglou. They are not exactly alike but there are certainly some interesting parallels there.

The most notable is that they all prefer a 4-2-3-1 formation and from a mentality point of view, they are certainly all alike, preferring a front foot possession-based mentality with no desire whatsoever to sit back.

They all have a desire to see their teams play 'brave' football and they have a huge willingness to press high up the pitch. How they press may differ between those managers, with Postecoglou preferring to do things at breakneck speed but De Zerbi perhaps in a slightly more conservative style.

That certainly ticks a lot of boxes as far as the Spurs hierarchy are concerned who have always longed for attractive football. The former Brighton boss would bring that to North London but he'd also bring with him a greater deal of pragmatism and tactical flexibility than someone like Postecoglou.

Crucially, he also boasts Premier League experience, something that Ange did not have when he arrived and certainly something that Tudor didn't have.

Some may feel as though Spurs need someone like a Sean Dyche to stabilise the ship and steer them through the choppy waters they find themselves in but bringing De Zerbi in would be a sign of huge ambition.

After all, as Liverpool boss Arne Slot once said it, the 46-year-old is "one of the best managers in the world."

Tottenham Hotspur's mentality might get them relegated. It's a tough pill to swallow, but there are deep-rooted issues concerning the squad's confidence and their ability to overcome adversity on the pitch.

It was a tough call to part ways with interim manager Igor Tudor, but most likely the right one, with the Croatian only picking up a point against Liverpool at Anfield across his 44-day tenure.

That aside, the 47-year-old was defeated four times in the Premier League, and last week's north London thrashing by relegation rivals Nottingham Forest proved the critical moment.

Tottenham are only one point above the relegation zone, and Forest and West Ham United have improved of late. ENIC Group need to pick their next head coach wisely.

Who Spurs are considering to replace Tudor

It might have a pragmatic feel to it, but there's a lot of sense regarding a short-term appointment for Sean Dyche, who managed Nottingham Forest before being sacked earlier in 2026.

However, should Tottenham want to flip the coin and choose a different kind of track, they might hit the jackpot with one of football's sharper tactical brains.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are looking to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as soon as possible, even though the Italian coach is holding out for the end of the season before choosing his next club.

Manchester United are also interested, but Michael Carrick's good work there means De Zerbi might not get the nod.

Those claims have been corroborated by many, including talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook who has revealed that "efforts have been made this week" to try and get De Zerbi in.

Should ENIC present him with a compelling offer, he could be convinced to take charge now, proving himself a hero as he guides Tottenham away from danger.

Why De Zerbi could be the right pick for Spurs

It's difficult to determine who exactly is the frontrunner for the vacant Tottenahm job at the moment. Certainly, Dyche is available and would leap at the chance to manage the Londoners. His experience with embattled sides fighting relegation adds substance to ENIC's interest.

But Tottenham's first-teamers have lost every shred of confidence, and De Zerbi is not only a "genius" of an analytical brain, as hailed by journalist Dean Jones, but a manager who embraces his players as his family, creating strong bonds.

Moreover, the Italian employs a 4-2-3-1 formation, suggesting that he could provide a semblance of tactical normality at Tottenham over the next several weeks. Dyche, of course, is hardly an avant-garde sort of coach, but his structured, organised approach would not give rise to the confidence of the players.

They need someone like De Zerbi, larger than life and with a possession-based style that is far more akin to the high-octane football of Ange Postecoglou than Thomas Frank's laboured brand.

Whether Tottenham decide to take the somewhat riskier road and appoint De Zerbi remains to be seen, but he'd inspire confidence and he might just be the right man to stage a late-season turnaround. There is a reason he has been hailed as "one of the best managers in the world" by Arne Slot.

His time at Brighton & Hove Albion was a success, helping steer the Seagulls away from their status as habitual relegation fodder and instead challenging for places higher up the table.

Praised by Pep Guardiola for his "unique" style, De Zerbi could be the perfect pick at Tottenham. He's not without his faults, for sure, but this is a strong character who would brook no excuses from these struggling players.

Leadership. Experience. Style. De Zerbi's got the lot, and Dyche, from a Tottenham perspective, pales in comparison.