Tottenham Hotspur are expected to fall short in their efforts to hire a highly-rated Italian manager, journalist Ben Jones has revealed.
Thomas Frank’s future at Tottenham continues to be up in the air, and a whole host of candidates have been mooted as potential replacements for the Dane.
It has been suggested that Andoni Iraola, Mauricio Pochettino and Oliver Glasner head Spurs’ wishlist, but none of them are likely to be available until the summer.
Tottenham are also allegedly interested in Xabi Alonso and Xavi Hernandez, but it is unclear if either Spaniard is open to a move to N17.
Is Roberto De Zerbi a realistic target for Tottenham?
Last week, TEAMtalk claimed that Spurs could turn to Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi if they decide to part ways with Frank.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has now confirmed that De Zerbi is indeed on Spurs’ wishlist, but suggested that the Italian may hold out for one of Manchester United or Man City to come calling.
Jacobs said on the Last Word on Spurs’ YouTube channel: “Another name that I’m hearing is likely to be in the frame. Roberto De Zerbi. Again, I don’t think he’ll take it, but before Thomas Frank was approached, Tottenham went formally to De Zerbi as well, and they tried to get him back to the Premier League.
“One day, De Zerbi will end up back in the Premier League, but it wouldn’t remotely surprise me if that’s at one of the two Manchester clubs. He’s a candidate for Manchester United, and some say that he’ll be in the frame for Manchester City if Pep Guardiola goes as well. So I’m not sure anything will develop there [at Spurs].”
Could Spurs turn to an interim option?
Some sources have suggested that Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is also rated highly by the Tottenham hierarchy.
However, just like the club’s other targets, it is unclear if the 32-year-old would leave the Amex Stadium mid-season.
As a result, it has been reported that Tottenham could turn to an interim option if they replace Frank, with John Heitinga thought to be the favourite to become the temporary Spurs head coach.
- READ MORE: Tottenham chiefs make unpopular Thomas Frank decision as Spanish legend waits in the wings