Tottenham ‘hand ultimatum to Roberto De Zerbi’ as final decision expected in next 48 hours

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Tottenham have reportedly given Roberto De Zerbi a two-day deadline over the managerial role. The Italian has emerged as a front-runner to take over from Igor Tudor as Spurs look to avoid relegation.

Tudor left the club by mutual consent on Sunday , after failing to win any of his five Premier League games in charge of the club. The Croatian came in on an interim basis to replace Thomas Frank, but Spurs have sunk further into relegation trouble since his arrival.

The team currently sit in 17th position in the table, just one point clear of the bottom three. The club aim to bring a new manager in before players return from international duty. De Zerbi is in advanced talks over the role .

The former Brighton boss was initially unwilling to take the job until the summer, but he is now open to taking over immediately in a permanent role.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport , Tottenham has handed an ‘ultimatum’ to De Zerbi during the negotiations. The report says that the Italian has been given 24-48 hours to provide a final answer to their offer.

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The report adds that ‘until yesterday, the answer was always no’, but adds that ‘things have changed now’. De Zerbi is said to be considering the offer and the head start that joining now could give him if he saves Spurs from relegation.

Should the 46-year-old join Tottenham, his first game in charge would come on Sunday, April 12, when Spurs take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (2pm kick-off).

Before that game, the side could find themselves sitting in the relegation zone with 18th-placed West Ham hosting Wolves at the London Stadium.

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A win for the Hammers would see them climb above Tottenham and plunge Spurs into the bottom three. Tottenham would, however, have a game in hand over their relegation rivals.

A potential appointment of De Zerbi comes just a matter of hours after three Tottenham supporters groups released statements against the move .

The opposition is due to the manager’s comments on Mason Greenwood, whom he managed at Marseille.