Roberto De Zerbi may have a big say in who Tottenham Hotspur appoint as their new sporting director, as the Lilywhites set their sights on an experienced Italian.
It emerged earlier this week that Tottenham had expressed an interest in Piero Ausilio, who has left his role at Inter Milan after spending nearly three decades at the club.
It was subsequently revealed by Nicolo Schira that the 54-year-old director is set to hold talks with Spurs over the coming days.
The journalist also claimed that De Zerbi is a fan of Ausilio and had already given Tottenham the green light to make a move for the Italian.
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi is a close friend of Piero Ausilio
TuttoSport (as relayed by Sport Witness) now also say that a move to the Premier League could be on the cards for Ausilio, with Tottenham ‘leading the charge’.
The outlet claims that Spurs have been ‘long-term admirers’ of the Italian and first made contact with him ‘months ago’ to assess his availability.
They could now ‘return to the picture’ after Ausilio’s exit from the Nerazzurri became official at the end of the summer window.
Consequently, the report claims that De Zerbi has a ‘close personal friendship’ with the experienced director, and suggests that this could be key to Tottenham clinching the deal.
Why Ausilio decided to leave Inter contract amid Spurs interest
Ausilio spent 28 years at the San Siro, and Tuttosport says that while the Nerazzurri only offered him a one-year contract, the director wanted a three-year deal.
Additionally, it is revealed that Ausilio also expected more financial backing from Inter this summer, which did not arrive.
As a result, he has decided to call time on his spell with the Serie A giants, with Dario Baccin set to replace him, marking a ‘seismic shake-up’ at the Italian club.