Spurs ‘to push’ for Roberto De Zerbi before Sunderland trip | OneFootball

Spurs are hoping to install former Brighton and Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi before their 12 April trip to Sunderland. It follows Igor Tudor’s six-week interim spell ending, and the club sit one point above the relegation zone.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, De Zerbi is now open to considering a five-year proposal, talks are planned and the coming hours could be decisive. The Italian had initially preferred to start after the season, but Spurs are pushing for an immediate start.

Assistant Bruno Saltor is running training during the international break. Spurs want a head coach in place when players return later this week to allow a full week’s preparation for Sunderland. Sean Dyche has been touted if De Zerbi declines.

Tudor’s exit was confirmed on Sunday, while goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic and physical coach Riccardo Ragnacci have also left. Tudor has recently suffered a bereavement.

Injuries have undermined recent form, though Spurs hope to welcome key players after the break. There is doubt over goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who underwent hernia surgery, and if he misses out then Antonín Kinský would start. Mathys Tel is a minor doubt after a knock in the Nottingham Forest defeat.

Mohammed Kudus and Rodrigo Bentancur are edging towards full training after thigh issues and could add depth even if short of starts. Hopes remain that James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski feature before season’s end, but Sunderland may come too soon. Ben Davies could return from an ankle injury, while Wilson Odobert is out and Yves Bissouma is a doubt.

Source: Sunderland Echo