Roberto De Zerbi has been presented with a five-year contract proposal by Tottenham. The relegation-imperilled Spurs have issued an urgent call to the former Brighton and Marseille manager in a desperate bid to avoid demotion.
Tottenham were engaged in advanced talks withDe Zerbi on Monday, having proposed a lucrative deal for him to assume control immediately rather than delay until the summer. It's understood that they've progressed as far as deliberating over the specifics of De Zerbi's backroom staff, given the Italian's reputation for maintaining a substantial support team.
De Zerbi may opt for a smaller staff, but with a clear mandate to rescue Spurs with just seven matches remaining, and the potential of being in the drop zone by the time a new manager steps in. Tottenham aim to appoint a new boss by the time their players return from international duty this week, allowing ample time to familiarise themselves before their next fixture at Sunderland on 12 April.
West Ham play two days prior, and should they triumph over Wolves, it would thrust Tottenham into the bottom three and place them in grave danger of relegation. This urgency prompted them to expedite their plans regarding De Zerbi, who was already on their summer shortlist, as relegation would spell disaster for one of the Premier League's most prominent and longstanding clubs.
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They are believed to have extended a substantial offer to De Zerbi, viewing him as a top-tier coach capable of instilling discipline in the squad and providing a significant new-manager boost.
Tottenham's previous appointment of Igor Tudor proved disastrous as the Croatian failed to secure a single Premier League victory during his 44 days as interim manager. The club parted ways on Sunday, but not before Tottenham identified De Zerbi as their primary target with a definitive strategy to secure his services, with plans to pursue a former player or manager possessing Premier League credentials should negotiations collapse.
Spurs are also aware of potential controversy as at least three supporters' groups have openly condemned De Zerbi for his backing of ex-Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood while managing at Marseille.
Former Spurs midfielder Tim Sherwood, who also took charge of the club in the past, emerged as one candidate under consideration, but he has endorsed De Zerbi as a strong option should his former side complete the deal.
Sherwood told Sky Sports: "I love his personality and the way his teams play. But they can be open and can get hammered in some games - you can't get hammered between now and the end of the season.
"We saw his Marseille team play against Liverpool with an open style. He opens up the pitch, it's expansive the way he plays.
"We know how stubborn this man is. This man is hard to deal with, but I like him for that because he's got his own mind and does it his way, so that's my only reservation.
"I think if he can get them over the line, I think he's a perfect manager for Tottenham to have taking them forward. The main priority is just to keep them in the league."
