Roberto De Zerbi has signalled his willingness to take charge at Tottenham Hotspur with immediate effect, marking a significant shift from his earlier stance of waiting until summer.
The north London outfit has ramped up negotiations in recent days and grows ever more optimistic that the 44-year-old Italian will put pen to paper on a five-year agreement.
Conversations have progressed to the point where discussions now centre on the composition of his potential coaching team.
The former Brighton manager departed Marseille earlier this year and has consistently expressed interest in returning to English football.
Roberto De Zerbi is the heavy favourite to become the new Tottenham boss
| GETTY
However, the prospective appointment has already sparked controversy among sections of the Tottenham faithful.
Four supporter groups have voiced opposition to De Zerbi’s candidacy, citing remarks he made regarding Mason Greenwood whilst managing in France.
In November, the Italian described the former Manchester United forward as a “good guy” and suggested he had paid a “heavy price” following his arrest nearly four years earlier on suspicion of rape and assault.
Greater Manchester Police subsequently dropped all charges against the player.
De Zerbi declined to criticise Greenwood during his time at Marseille, a stance that has now drawn the ire of Spurs supporters ahead of any potential appointment.
Mason Greenwood was defended by Roberto De Zerbi at Marseille
| REUTERS
The club’s predicament could scarcely be more dire.
Tottenham find themselves perched just a single point above the relegation zone with merely seven fixtures remaining in the campaign.
This perilous situation follows Igor Tudor’s calamitous spell in charge, which lasted a mere 44 days before his departure.
The team has now gone 13 consecutive matches without tasting victory, a run that has plunged one of English football’s most storied institutions into genuine danger of dropping to the second tier.
Questions have emerged regarding De Zerbi’s commitment should relegation occur, given his stated lack of interest in managing in the Championship.
Should De Zerbi ultimately decline to begin work immediately, Tottenham have contingency plans in place.
Sean Dyche represents one possibility for the interim period, though financial complications arise from his ongoing salary payments from Nottingham Forest, who dismissed him in February after just 114 days.
Roberto De Zerbi previously managed in the Premier League with Brighton | PA
Spurs are unwilling to offer Dyche anything beyond a short-term arrangement until season’s end.
Former Monaco boss Adi Hutter has publicly withdrawn from consideration for any caretaker role.
The club may instead turn to familiar faces with Tottenham connections, with Harry Redknapp, Tim Sherwood and Glenn Hoddle all indicating their availability.
Ryan Mason, recently dismissed by West Bromwich Albion, also remains an option.
