Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly reached a breakthrough in discussions with Roberto De Zerbi and are closing in on an agreement with the Italian to become their new head coach.

De Zerbi had been identified by the Tottenham board as their number one replacement for Igor Tudor, whose nightmarish seven-game reign was brought to an end on Sunday evening.

Rather than purely focus on the Premier League relegation battle and hire another interim manager until the end of the season, Spurs are already planning for the future and are scoping out long-term appointments.

De Zerbi was initially seen as an unattainable candidate, given that the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss was only willing to take charge of the Lilywhites if they survived the drop and had no plans to take over until the summer.

However, journalist Ben Jacobs claims that there has now been a breakthrough in talks between Spurs and De Zerbi, who has performed a U-turn on his previous stance.

Tottenham reach 'breakthrough' in talks with Roberto De Zerbi

While the 46-year-old wanted to wait until the start of next season initially, he has supposedly changed his mind due to a 'lucrative long-term deal' and is open to accepting the role ASAP.

Tottenham are supposedly prepared to offer De Zerbi a five-year deal until the end of the 2030-31 campaign, and the ex-Brighton manager is now 'close' to an agreement with the Europa League winners.

De Zerbi is primed to become Spurs head coach in spite of supporter groups campaigning against his arrival, due to the Italian's defence of Mason Greenwood while the pair worked together at Marseille.

De Zerbi left his post as Olympiens head coach in February after managing 39 wins, 10 draws and 29 defeats, prior to which he made history during his time with Brighton.

The Seagulls qualified for European football for the first time ever under De Zerbi's wing, reaching the 2023-24 Europa League before his acrimonious exit from the club at the end of that season.

What can Tottenham fans expect under Roberto De Zerbi?

A lack of identity has been one of Spurs' many Achilles heel's during the 2025-26 season, but they can be sure to have a clear philosophy under De Zerbi.

The Italian's teams have been famed for playing out from the back, inviting the press and then breaking the lines when opposing teams spring onto them - a high-risk, high-reward manoeuvre.

However, there are fears that De Zerbi's aggressive and demanding style could prove difficult for Tottenham's players to adapt to, at a time when the club need stability amid their relegation battle.

Tottenham Hotspur defying fan backlash is nothing new, and the Lilywhites could be about to do so once again, as they have reportedly identified ex-Marseille and Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi as their number one managerial target.

Igor Tudor's inevitable departure was announced on Sunday evening following a disastrous seven-game winless sequence, in which the Croatian oversaw five defeats and masterminded just one victory to leave Tottenham one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League table.

Rather than hire another stop-gap manager, Tottenham are purportedly trying to bring in De Zerbi on a long-term contract this month, in spite of supporter groups campaigning against his arrival due to his defence of Mason Greenwood.

As Tottenham continue their efforts to hire De Zerbi, Sports Mole asked AI to predict what would happen to the Lilywhites if they were to bring in the 46-year-old.

Roberto De Zerbi to Tottenham: "Real chance" of Spurs relegation

Should De Zerbi take over as Spurs boss during the international break, his first game in charge would come away to Sunderland on April 12, before a home match against former club Brighton on April 18 and a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 25.

It is hard to make a case for Tottenham being the favourites for any of those contests, and AI has warned of a 'higher short-term risk' for Spurs in this period of fixtures, as De Zerbi's 'complex' system can be difficult for players to grasp quickly.

As a result, there is a 'real chance' that Tottenham regress further during the early days of De Zerbi's tenure, in spite of the new manager bounce phenomenon and the Italian's prior experience in the Premier League.

Spurs' chances of survival will improve 'significantly' under De Zerbi if the players can adapt to his methods relatively quickly, but the 'higher volatility' associated with the 46-year-old heightens the risk of demotion if his squad are unable to learn his philosophy.

Roberto De Zerbi to Tottenham: Tactical 'mismatch'

De Zerbi's teams have become renowned for their high-risk, high-reward play, in which they invite the opposition to press them before breaking the lines while playing out from the back.

However, Tottenham have been found wanting when trying to pass their way out of danger all season - especially under Thomas Frank - and AI warns that their squad is not suitably primed for 'extreme build-up football'.

Instead, the Europa League holders should be prioritising 'simplicity and stability' while trying to drag themselves away from the drop zone, which does not align with De Zerbi's demands for 'tactical bravery' and 'controlled chaos'.

Therefore, Tottenham and De Zerbi would be a short-term 'mismatch', but if the Italian can keep the Lilywhites up and mould the squad into his own vision over the summer, Spurs should kick on in 2026-27.

Roberto De Zerbi to Tottenham: Winners and losers?

Unfortunately for Tottenham fans, two of the biggest 'winners' from De Zerbi to Tottenham in the eyes of AI are two long-term injury victims; James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

The pair have been predicted to thrive creatively under the Italian, but Maddison is at risk of missing the whole season with an ACL injury, while there is no official timeframe on Kulusevski's comeback either.

However, De Zerbi's aggressive style could also suit Micky van de Ven, as AI suggests that the pacy defender will be the 'perfect fit' to cover large spaces in the 46-year-old's system.

On the other hand, Tottenham's top scorer this season - Richarlison - has been highlighted as a potential loser, as De Zerbi would favour a more technical centre-forward than the 'chaotic' Brazilian.

Furthermore, De Zerbi's demands on goalkeepers could negatively impact Guglielmo Vicario, as the Italy international has never fully convinced with the ball at his feet; he has been strongly linked with an exit this summer regardless.

Roberto De Zerbi to Tottenham: Overall verdict

The short-term picture generated by AI makes for grim reading for Tottenham supporters, who have been warned that their side's risk of Premier League relegation may increase if De Zerbi's demands prove too much in too short a timeframe.

The ex-Brighton manager can be expected to bring 'high chaos' and 'volatility' to North London, and Spurs' adaptation speed will be the defining factor in whether they can survive the drop.

On the other hand, if the Lilywhites retain their top-tier status and De Zerbi stays in control of the reins, their ceiling will be 'very high', and fans can expect 'attractive football' to return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

De Zerbi is not a firefighter in the same sense as Tudor, Sean Dyche or Sam Allardyce, and after the former's appointment ended disastrously, perhaps this risk is one worth taking.

Former Monaco boss Adi Hutter has ruled himself out of the Tottenham Hotspur job as he does not want a new role before the end of the season.

Spurs only have seven games left to save their Premier League status, as while they are outside of the relegation zone in 17th place, they are only one point above 18th-placed West Ham United.

With Tottenham in such a dire situation, it came as no surprise that interim boss Igor Tudor was sacked on Sunday, but his dismissal has led the club scrambling to find a successor.

Hutter was linked with the job, but he has insisted that he does not want to return to management this season, telling reporters: "In recent days and weeks, I have been increasingly linked with various clubs.

"However, as I already stated immediately after my time at Monaco, I would prefer not to work as a head coach again until the start of the new season at the earliest. My position on this matter has not changed since then."

The Austrian was sacked by Monaco on October 9 last year, and his comments come as a blow given he was thought to be among Tottenham's main targets.

Would Adi Hutter have been right for Tottenham Hotspur?

The most notable teams that Hutter has coached have been Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Monchengladbach and Monaco, but his success at these sides was mixed.

He was named coach of the year in 2019 by he union of professional football players in Germany when in charge of Frankfurt, but he left to join Gladbach for the 2021-22 season, only to leave by mutual consent after guiding the team to a tenth-placed finish.

The 56-year-old helped Monaco earn a second-placed finish in Ligue 1 in 2023-24, as well as a third-placed finish in 2024-25, but he was sacked this season with the club in fifth place.

Though Hutter's record is by no means poor, he does not have experience of the type of relegation battle that Spurs are currently facing, and that would have made appointing him risky.

Why Tottenham Hotspur face challenge to attract Tudor replacement

Tottenham would be an attractive proposition for most managers at the start of a season, but it would be understandable if most looked to distance themselves from the job until the end of 2025-26.

The prospect of coaching a team in the Championship would no doubt be unappealing to numerous candidates, especially as a host of first-team players would likely depart, which would make the environment even more chaotic.

Other candidates may not want to risk being used in the dugout for just seven Premier League games before being discarded for a different target, and that has reportedly made managerial targets like Sean Dyche hesitant.

Tottenham Hotspur player Ben Davies has been shortlisted as an option to replace Igor Tudor, the latest report has claimed.

The Lilywhites will hope that their Premier League fortunes can be reversed following their decision to part company with interim boss Igor Tudor.

Spurs had appointed the Croatian in February as a replacement for Thomas Frank, but five defeats, one draw and one win later, and the club are looking for a third manager.

A host of names have been linked with the vacant managerial position, including Sean Dyche and Roberto De Zerbi, who are both available.

However, The Telegraph claim that current Tottenham player Ben Davies is one of seven options being considered, alongside De Zerbi, Dyche, Harry Redknapp, Glenn Hoddle, Tim Sherwood and Chris Hughton.

Ben Davies assessed: Should Tottenham appoint defender?

Davies is currently out injured due to a serious ankle injury, and while he is expected to be back in April, it would be surprising if he chose to play himself as the team's first-choice left-back.

The Welshman has no experience as a head coach, and Tottenham would not be considering him for a position in the dugout under normal circumstances.

Perhaps the 32-year-old could prove to be a motivating figure for the Spurs squad given he has been a fixtrue at the club since 2014.

Dyche? De Zerbi? Who should replace Igor Tudor?

Considering Spurs are only one point above the relegation zone, appointing someone that has no experience of Premier League football could be risky.

Dyche has regularly fought at the bottom of the table, and while he failed to impress at Nottingham Forest, his work at Burnley between 2012 and 2022 was outstanding.

His style of football is not particularly pleasing to watch, so it would be understandable if Spurs were reluctant to give him a contract that lasts beyond this season.

However, Tottenham may not have any other choice but to appoint him given reported first-choice target De Zerbi is reluctant to take over before the end of 2025-26.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke is a target for Newcastle United in the event of the club's relegation, the latest report has revealed.

Spurs' season has fallen far below expectations, with the team currently 17th in the Premier League, and they are only one point above 18th-placed West Ham United.

The dismissal of interim boss Igor Tudor has thrown the club further into disarray, and with just seven league games left, fans have become increasingly fearful of relegation.

Should a new manager fail to guide the Londoners to safety, Spurs could be forced to sell a number of their stars in the summer transfer window.

DOMINIC SOLANKE 2025-26 STATS

Appearances: 17

Starts: 9

Goals: 6

Assists: 0

Though relegation from the Premier League would be disastrous, Solanke has played in the Championship for Bournemouth.

The Englishman scored 44 goals and provided 15 assists in 86 appearances in the second tier, and his experience in the division could be crucial if Spurs have ambitions of earning promotion at the first time of asking.

Why Premier League survival could still lead to mass exodus

While relegation from the top flight would undoubtedly lead to numerous exits, a number of players could still leave the club even if they remain in the league.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have consistently been linked with moves away, with the former having publicly criticised Tottenham in social media posts.

It is hard to imagine the team's top players being willing to stay considering there is no guarantee that Spurs will be back competing for Champions League football next season.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to appoint a replacement for Igor Tudor before the squad return from international duty, the latest report has claimed.

While the news of Tudor's dismissal on Sunday came as little surprise to Spurs fans, it does highlight the precarious position the club find themselves in.

The Londoners are 17th in the Premier League table with just 30 points, one point more than 18th-placed West Ham United.

Tudor had taken charge of five top-flight games and had only claimed one point, and he had also lost five of his seven matches in all competitions.

Journalist Alasdair Gold has revealed that Tottenham are expected to appoint a new head coach in the next couple of days, with Bruno Saltor set to remain and take charge of training for those few players that did not leave to play for their national teams.

Did Tottenham Hotspur wait too long to sack Igor Tudor?

The new manager will have at least 10 days to work with the squad given the Premier League does not resume until the middle of April due to the FA Cup, which Spurs were knockout out of by Aston Villa in early January.

However, the new head coach will only be in charge for seven league games, and with the club only above West Ham by a point, the threat of relegation must be taken seriously.

IGOR TUDOR RECORD

Games: 7

Wins: 1

Draws: 1

Losses: 5

Goals Scored: 9

Goals Conceded: 20

Spurs were beaten 3-0 by Nottingham Forest at home on March 22, and had a new boss been in place for that match, the club could have been four points ahead of the bottom three.

Tottenham's final stretch of the season is also difficult, with games to come against the likes of Sunderland, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Everton, and it may ultimately be too challenging to rescue the Londoners from the drop.

Roberto De Zerbi to take charge of Spurs for final Premier League games?

Former Brighton & Hove Albion and Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has been touted as a serious target for Tottenham, though he is thought to be reluctant to take over before the end of the season.

Hiring another interim may be unpalatable to Spurs fans, but with the club at serious risk of relegation, top-level managers may be unwilling to join until the team's Premier League status is secured.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that head coach Igor Tudor has departed his position by mutual consent.

The former Marseille and Juventus boss only arrived in February as a replacement for the sacked Thomas Frank but presided over a disastrous seven-game run in the hotseat.

Tudor lost each of his first four games as Tottenham head coach before overseeing a 1-1 draw with Liverpool, which preceded an inconsequential 3-2 Champions League triumph over Atletico Madrid.

However, just when things appeared to be looking up for the Lilywhites, Tudor oversaw a shocking 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, which left Spurs just one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League table.

Straight after the defeat to Nottingham Forest before the international break, Tudor was informed of the death of his father and did not conduct his post-match media duties, which Bruno Saltor took on instead.

Tottenham confirm Igor Tudor exit by mutual consent

Igor Tudor Tottenham results

February 22, 2026: Spurs 1-4 Arsenal (Premier League)

March 1, 2026: Fulham 2-1 Spurs (Premier League)

March 5, 2025: Spurs 1-3 Crystal Palace (Premier League)

March 10, 2026: Atletico Madrid 5-2 Spurs (Champions League)

March 15, 2026: Liverpool 1-1 Spurs (Premier League)

March 18, 2026: Spurs 3-2 Atletico Madrid (Champions League)

March 22, 2026: Spurs 0-3 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)

Following Tudor's family tragedy, and the Croatian's disastrous set of results since taking over from Frank, rumours began growing that Tottenham were set to part ways with the 47-year-old.

On Sunday afternoon, Tottenham confirmed that they had mutually parted ways with Tudor, as well as goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic and physical coach Riccardo Ragnacci.

"We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for Head Coach Igor Tudor to leave the Club with immediate effect," the Europa League winners said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"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."

Which managers could Tottenham target to replace Igor Tudor?

It was a case of when not if Tudor would leave Tottenham, as the Lilywhites board are left to rue one of the most disastrous Premier League managerial appointments in recent memory.

Spurs have been linked with the likes of Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola and Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner, neither of whom is expected to still be in their respective roles by the start of next season, but neither should also depart before the campaign concludes.

Instead, Tottenham will almost certainly go for another stop-gap appointment, and Sean Dyche is one name who will inevitably be in the frame, despite the ex-Burnley boss recently playing down such speculation.

Ryan Mason - who had two respectable stints as interim boss in 2021 and 2023 - could also take on the caretaker reins for a third time, having been sacked from his position as West Bromwich Albion head coach in January.

Former Everton and Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has addressed recent reports linking him with a firefighter role at Tottenham Hotspur.

The North London club are facing the very real possibility of a historic relegation from the Premier League following a catastrophic run of results since the turn of the year.

Spurs are yet to record a top-flight victory in 2026 and currently sit just one point above the bottom three with only seven matches remaining to secure their safety.

Interim head coach Igor Tudor has struggled to arrest the slide since succeeding Thomas Frank in February, picking up a solitary point from his five games in charge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

With the Croatian recently spending time away from the club following the tragic passing of his father, speculation has intensified regarding another managerial change during the international break.

Dyche laughs off reports of Tottenham talks in London

Speaking on talkSPORT via The Daily Mail, the 54-year-old dismissed social media claims that he had been spotted in the capital to formalise a short-term agreement with the Spurs hierarchy.

'It's brilliant, honestly," admitted Dyche. "I was in a pub just the way near my place I've got down here and this guy goes, "Oh, you're meant to be in talks with Spurs tonight".

"I went, 'Well I'm sat next to you having a pint of Guinness, so it's unlikely! Unless you work for Spurs and they're in the Seven Stars pub having a pint of Guinness, it's highly unlikely'."

While he admitted to being flattered by the association with such a massive organisation, he insisted that no official contact has been made regarding a potential vacancy.

Dyche remains out of work after being relieved of his duties by Forest just three months into his tenure earlier this year.

Can a new manager save Spurs from the Championship?

Any decision to replace Tudor would represent a desperate final throw of the dice for a board that have already sanctioned one mid-season dismissal this term.

Spurs' historical status as Premier League ever-presents is under serious threat as they prepare for a daunting final stretch that includes fixtures against several top-half sides.

While Dyche’s reputation for defensive solidity and survival expertise makes him an attractive candidate, the club’s inability to find a winning formula suggests deeper systemic issues within the first-team squad.

If a change is not made before the domestic schedule resumes, senior figures will be pinning their hopes on Tudor's ability to unite a demoralised group during the final weeks of the campaign.

Leeds United have reportedly suffered a blow in their possible pursuit for Tottenham Hotspur man Archie Gray.

The 20-year-old has been linked with a number of elite clubs in recent times, including Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

Gray has played 21 matches for the Lilywhites in the Premier League, where Spurs are hoping to remain past May.

Igor Tudor's troops are staring relegation to the Championship in the face, fighting to avoid a bottom-three finish.

Tottenham lost a crucial six-pointer to Nottingham Forest last weekend, when the Tricky Trees netted three without reply in North London.

Leeds suffer blow in Gray pursuit?

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds have suffered a significant blow in their possible pursuit of former youngster Gray.

The 20-year-old left Elland Road for Tottenham in July 2024 for a £40m fee, and it was suggested that the Whites have a buy-back clause in the deal.

However, it is understood that no such stipulation exists for Leeds to potentially trigger in the future.

There are a host of other named suitors for Gray, including Premier League trio Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa.

There are also admirers of the England Under-21 international from Germany in the form of Borussia Dortmund.

Vultures circle around Gray

Should Tottenham suffer relegation from the top flight for the first time since 1977, it is hard to imagine Gray sticking around.

The 20-year-old is being courted by some of Europe's biggest clubs ahead of a seismic summer transfer window.

Still searching for their maiden Premier League victory of 2026, Spurs visit Sunderland on April 12.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are expected to up their efforts to sign Roma defender Evan Ndicka.

The two clubs are currently fighting for different targets, with the Merseyside giants sitting in fifth position in the Premier League table and looking to go deep in the Champions League, at the same time as Spurs are just one point above the relegation zone.

However, a scenario may play out where Liverpool's reputation could drop if they only qualify for the Europa League, and Spurs' is enhanced if they survive in the top flight and appoint a long-term target as head coach.

Meanwhile, both teams will be eager to add at least one new central defender to their ranks, a consequence of encountering issues in the position throughout 2025-26.

According to CaughtOffside, trying to sign Ndicka is very much in the plans of the Premier League giants.

Liverpool, Spurs to up Ndicka interest?

The report alleges that Liverpool and Spurs are expected to 'increase their interest' in the Roma star.

As he nears the end of his third season at Stadio Olimpico, the 26-year-old has made 120 appearances for the Italian side in all competitions.

A total of six goals and five assists have been contributed from a player who is also capable of deputising at left-back if required.

With a contract in place until 2028, Roma are allegedly prepared to consider offers over €45m (£39.21m).

While Barcelona are also named as admirers of the Ivory Coast international, there are doubts as to whether they would be prepared to meet those demands.

Bayern Munich are another European giant who are said to be monitoring the situation.

Why chances of Roma selling Ndicka are high

Roma have an agreement with UEFA to adhere to certain financial constraints by June 30.

With Ndicka one of their most prized assets, it is plausible to expect offers to be entertained for the player.

As it stands, Roma sit in sixth position in the Serie A table, three points adrift of the Champions League qualification places and four points above seventh spot.

Ndicka has contributed to Roma conceding just 23 goals from their 30 matches.