Tottenham Hotspur are close to announcing Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach as the club look to steady a turbulent season.
The Italian manager has been in advanced talks with Spurs and is expected to take over the first-team role imminently.
Spurs have been searching for a permanent boss since parting ways with interim coach Igor Tudor, who lasted just seven matches and 44 days in charge.
The club’s decision to move on from Tudor came as Tottenham sit one point above the Premier League relegation zone with only seven games remaining.
His last game in charge was against Nottingham Forest, in what was a relegation scrap. The Tricky Trees won the game 3-0.
De Zerbi emerges as leading candidate
De Zerbi, 46, emerged as Tottenham’s preferred candidate after recent discussions between his representatives and the club’s board.
Sources say the two sides are close to agreeing on terms for a five-year contract, with De Zerbi understood to be open to taking the job immediately rather than waiting until the summer.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion and Marseille boss has built a reputation for an attractive, possession-based style of football.
At Brighton, he earned praise for guiding the club to one of its most successful top-flight campaigns before moving on to manage Marseille in France.
Tottenham’s hierarchy are hopeful that De Zerbi’s tactical approach and leadership can spark a much-needed turnaround as they fight to remain in the Premier League.
The club have reportedly targeted him as a long-term solution, rather than another short-term appointment, reflecting a desire to bring stability to the dugout.
Controversial comments on Greenwood
However, not all fans have welcomed the potential appointment. Some supporters have expressed concern about past comments by De Zerbi regarding Mason Greenwood, urging the club to consider its values in the hiring process.
“I don’t know what happened, but I am not used to get involved in my players’ private life,” De Zerbi said.
“You have to know that I treat all my players like my sons. I can tell them off in private, but I would never attack them in public.
“He’s a good guy, he paid a heavy price for what happened, a very heavy price.
“He has found the right environment for him. We have lent him a hand and given him affection. He’s a little bit introverted but I know him and his family.
“It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described in England.”
If confirmed, De Zerbi would become Tottenham’s third managerial appointment of the season.
His first test as boss is on Sunday, April 12, when they face Sunderland, as Spurs look to claw their way to safety in the Premier League.
READ NEXT: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy picks, predictions and how to watch
