Roberto De Zerbi contract offer tabled as Tottenham make move to bring him in now

Roberto De Zerbi is anticipated to deliver his verdict to Tottenham later today regarding whether he will accept the head coach position with immediate effect. The 44-year-old Italian, who previously managed Brighton & Hove Albion, has emerged as Spurs' preferred candidate following discussions held earlier this month. Tottenham have put forward a five-year contract to the former Marseille boss, though negotiations remain ongoing. Until now, De Zerbi has maintained his preference to delay any new appointment until the summer months. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say However, the north London club are pressing hard for their top target to begin work straight away as they battle against the drop. The urgency stems from Tottenham's dire predicament in the Premier League standings. Spurs currently sit just a single point clear of the relegation zone with only seven matches left to play this season. The club has failed to secure a victory in their last 13 fixtures, a run that has plunged them into a survival battle. Igor Tudor's brief spell in charge proved catastrophic, lasting merely 44 days before his departure. De Zerbi has expressed a desire to return to English football since leaving the French club earlier this year and has always been receptive to managing Tottenham. LATEST SPORTS NEWS: Golf star breaks down in tears and hugs wife after winning first tournament since life-or-death surgery Erling Haaland spends more than half his £500,000-a-week salary on luxury present for himself Former England star Jermain Defoe, 43, secures first football management job The ex-Brighton manager has firmly resisted taking the reins immediately, though discussions on Sunday evening proved more encouraging. Negotiations are set to continue today, although they have primarily focused on a summer switch rather than an instant appointment. One significant complication involves De Zerbi's reluctance to manage in the second tier, which raises the prospect of including an exit clause should Spurs suffer relegation. This creates an awkward situation regarding the optics of such an arrangement – whether the deal represents a genuine five-year commitment or effectively just a seven-game trial period, and what that signals about the manager's dedication to the club. Should De Zerbi decline the immediate offer, Sean Dyche remains a potential option for the remainder of the campaign. The financial aspects of bringing in Dyche are complicated, however, as Nottingham Forest continue paying his wages following his dismissal in February after just 114 days at the City Ground. Spurs would only offer Dyche a short-term arrangement until the end of the season. Adi Hütter has withdrawn from consideration, stating: "I would prefer not to work as a head coach again until the start of the new season at the earliest." If De Zerbi cannot be convinced, Tottenham may turn to figures with club connections, with Harry Redknapp, Tim Sherwood, Glenn Hoddle and Ryan Mason all potential candidates. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

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