Roberto De Zerbi has moved closer to becoming Tottenham Hotspur's new manager after further negotiations on Monday. The club have made him their prime target to replace Igor Tudor and save them from what would be a ruinous relegation to the Championship.
De Zerbi is the only live candidate, with Spurs not talking to anyone else. The makeup of his backroom staff has also been discussed. Tudor left his post as interim manager on Sunday after failing to spark an upturn in form, but Spurs want to appoint De Zerbi in the coming days on a long-term contract.
If De Zerbi joins and keeps Spurs up, it would end the possibility of Mauricio Pochettino returning in the summer. Pochettino, now in charge of the US national team, is preparing for the World Cup, and his contract expires after the finals.
De Zerbi left Marseille on 11 February after a successful if turbulent spell. He had been adamant that he would not return to a job this season, but the situation has changed partly because Spurs have made such a strong play for him. They have told him they do not want another interim appointment.
Spurs are one point and one place above the relegation zone with seven games to play. They have gone 13 league matches without a win, the club's worst run since 1934-35. De Zerbi would prefer to take over in the summer, but the opportunity is now.
Tottenham appear to have overlooked concerns about De Zerbi's backing of Mason Greenwood, whom he signed at Marseille. The striker was charged with attempted rape and assault in 2022, although the Crown Prosecution Service discontinued the case. Spurs supporter groups have urged the club to consider its values.
