Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of former Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio may not be as straightforward as the North London club expected.
A number of sources over recent weeks have reported that Tottenham are looking to appoint Piero Ausilio as their sporting director after the experienced director called time on his 28-year spell at Inter this summer.
In fact, over the last few days, some reports have even claimed that Ausilio is in advanced talks with Spurs and his appointment could be confirmed by Christmas.
However, a new update has now suggested that the Lilywhites could face a formidable challenger in their pursuit of the Inter director.
Liverpool could hijack Tottenham’s move for Piero Ausilio
Tottenham’s Premier League rivals, Liverpool, are also on the lookout for a new sporting director to replace Richard Hughes, who stepped down earlier this month to take over a similar role at Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has now claimed that Ausilio’s move to Spurs is far from a done deal and that the 54-year-old could end up at Anfield instead.
Di Marzio told Sky Italia (as relayed by FCInter1908): “Ausilio? He could go to the Premier League. I don’t think she’s that far along with Tottenham; there were talks over the summer.
“I wouldn’t rule out Liverpool, who lost their sporting director, who left for Saudi Arabia to be replaced by Simone Inzaghi. A Premier League experience could be a possibility.”
Could De Zerbi’s relationship with Ausilio give Spurs an upper hand?
Some recent updates from Italy have even asserted that De Zerbi considers Ausilio a close personal friend. In fact, it has been suggested that the Tottenham boss has already greenlit the 54-year-old’s appointment.
Additionally, an Italian publication claimed just over a week ago that Ausilio had tried to appoint De Zerbi as Inter’s head coach in the past.
Tottenham may be hoping that the director’s close relationship with his compatriot, De Zerbi, may give them an upper hand over Liverpool in the race for his signature.