Sean Dyche to the rescue? Tottenham consider offering short-term deal in Premier League relegation battle if Roberto De Zerbi rejects offer

De Zerbi delay forces rethink

Tottenham’s hunt for a new permanent manager has hit a significant roadblock that could force them into a radical short-term solution. Roberto De Zerbi, who left Marseille last month, remains the first choice for the Spurs hierarchy, but the Italian is reportedly reluctant to step into the dugout while the club is in the midsts of a relegation crisis. Spurs currently sit 17th in the table, just one point above the drop zone.

The situation regarding current interim coach Tudor has become increasingly fragile. He has overseen a dismal run of form, picking up just one point from his six Premier League games in charge. His future at the club is expected to be decided by Monday, with the club sympathetic to his personal situation following the death of his father, Mario, but acutely aware that results on the pitch must improve instantly if they are to avoid the drop.

Survival specialist

According to a report from

Tottenham's squad is currently ravaged by injuries, and the club's board believes a pragmatic approach may be necessary to navigate the final seven games of the campaign. However, any deal for Dyche could be complicated by the duration of the contract. While Spurs are looking for a short-term fix to bridge the gap until the summer, it remains unclear if Dyche would be willing to accept a contract that only covers the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Looming relegation nightmare

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated as Tottenham face the very real prospect of falling into the bottom three. Before they even kick off their next match against Sunderland on April 12, results elsewhere - specifically West Ham’s clash with Wolves - could see Spurs drop into the relegation zone. With only a handful of games remaining, the margin for error has vanished for the north Londoners.

The fixture list offers little comfort, with crucial games against Brighton, Aston Villa, and a potential relegation six-pointer against Leeds United on the horizon.

Backroom overhaul in progress

Beyond the managerial dugout, Tottenham are also preparing for a wider structural shake-up to address the club's recent decline. Reports suggest a new sporting director is high on the agenda, with former Borussia Dortmund captain Sebastian Kehl emerging as a leading candidate. Chelsea’s co-sporting director Paul Winstanley is also understood to be under consideration as the club looks to modernise its recruitment and football operations ahead of next season.