Roberto De Zerbi reportedly negotiated relegation clause in talks with Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur have identified Roberto De Zerbi as a top target to take the managerial reins. The former Brighton and Marseille head coach is said to be open to a move to north London. However, any potential deal rests entirely on one major caveat: Spurs must successfully fight relegation and retain their elite status for next season. Talks underway for Spurs job According to The Telegraph, Tottenham have already held discussions with De Zerbi regarding the permanent head coach position. The Italian tactician is currently unemployed after leaving the French side by mutual consent in February. Spurs find themselves in a huge battle to avoid the drop after losing 3-0 at home to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but they are actively planning for survival. De Zerbi is also seen as a potential fit for Manchester United and Liverpool, should Arne Slot leave Anfield, but he is genuinely intrigued by the club’s plan if they avoid Championship football. The Times reports that there have been discussions regarding De Zerbi’s immediate succession to Igor Tudor, with a clause in the contract that would allow him to leave this summer in the event of a breakdown. However, Spurs have reservations about such a deal. Tudor’s future remains uncertain The managerial situation remains very fluid, as Igor Tudor’s future as interim head coach was thrown back into doubt following the weekend’s defeat. Since taking charge, the Croatian has overseen seven matches, suffered five defeats and managed just one draw. His solitary victory, De Zerbi’s tactical evolution The 46-year-old tactician has built a formidable reputation across Europe, notably during his recent spells at Brighton and Marseille. During his time on the south coast of England, he oversaw 89 matches, achieving 38 victories and later brought his attacking and expansive philosophy to France. Before his mutual departure in February, he made 69 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 side, with an impressive return of 39 wins. Despite a difficult final campaign with 12 defeats in 33 matches, his high-risk style remains highly coveted. What’s next in the relegation battle? Returning from the international break, Tottenham face a daunting seven-game sprint to preserve their Premier League status. Sunday’s damaging 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest leaves Spurs firmly in the battle to beat the drop, sitting in 17th place with 30 points from 31 matches. Their winners moved up to 16th on 32 points, while West Ham are just one point behind 18th-placed Tottenham. The immediate path to survival begins at Sunderland, followed by a home clash against Brighton, before visiting basement side Wolves on 17 points. With Burnley also struggling on 20, Spurs need to get back into shape quickly.