Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham contract, U-turn on job and announcement timeline

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Former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as the favourite to become the next Tottenham Hotspur manager

Former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has been linked with the Tottenham manager's job(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

Here, football.london takes a look at the latest regarding Tottenham's quest to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager...

1. Managerial vacancy: Tottenham are searching for their fourth head coach in just nine months following the departure of interim manager Igor Tudor, whose 44-day tenure ended by mutual consent.
2. De Zerbi as frontrunner: Former Brighton and Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as the preferred choice and bookmakers' favourite (at 7/4) to take over the role permanently.
3. The job "U-Turn": Despite earlier reports that De Zerbi intended to take a break until the end of the season after leaving Marseille in February, he has reportedly made a U-turn and is now open to taking the job immediately.
4. Private negotiations: The Italian has held private talks with Tottenham chiefs to discuss the project, signalling a significant shift in his stance regarding a mid-season return to the Premier League.
5. Contract details: While a formal contract has not been signed, discussions have centred on a long-term appointment rather than an interim solution, with De Zerbi seeking assurances regarding the club's recruitment plan and long-term vision.
6. Announcement timeline: Following the official announcement of Tudor’s exit on Sunday, March 29, Spurs are expected to provide an update on the new head coach "in due course," with the club hierarchy moving quickly to stabilise the season.
7. Potential competition: Despite the progress with De Zerbi, the club remains wary of interest from "big-six" rivals, with Manchester City and Manchester United previously linked to the Italian.
8. Alternative candidates: If a deal with De Zerbi faces complications, other names in the frame include German coach Marco Rose, former captain Robbie Keane, and a potential emotional return for Mauricio Pochettino (though the latter is unlikely until after the World Cup).