Tottenham Hotspur are offering Roberto De Zerbi a lucrative Premier League survival bonus to convince the Italian to take charge immediately following Igor Tudor’s abrupt departure.
The former Brighton and Marseille manager is the primary candidate to take over in north London.
However, the 46-year-old reportedly prefers to wait until the summer before committing to a new role.
He wants to assess whether the struggling side will secure their top-flight status for another year before making a final decision.
Immediate appointment sought
Club officials have spent this week exploring ways to accelerate the hiring process to help steer the team away from the relegation zone.
A substantial sign-on fee has been proposed alongside the survival incentive to tempt the tactician back to English football.
Bruno Saltor is currently overseeing first-team training sessions while the hierarchy desperately searches for a permanent or short-term solution.
The dugout vacancy arose after Tudor left his position on Sunday, having spent just 44 days at the helm.
Alternative options considered
If a deal for the preferred candidate cannot be reached, several alternative names have been drafted onto a contingency shortlist.
Sean Dyche is among the heavily linked alternatives due to his vast experience in navigating brutal relegation battles.
The former Burnley and Everton boss would reportedly demand a longer-term contract to ensure financial security if he were to be dismissed at the end of the campaign.
Former club legends including Ryan Mason, Glenn Hoddle, and Harry Redknapp have also been discussed as potential interim caretakers to steady the ship.
Austrian coach Adi Hutter is another manager being evaluated by the board as they seek immediate stability.
Alvaro Arbeloa has successfully revitalised Real Madrid’s season and unlocked the goalscoring form of Vinicius Jr since taking charge at the Bernabeu in January.
The former Liverpool defender inherited a squad navigating a packed fixture schedule with little time for a gradual introduction.
Spanish media immediately warned the new head coach about the immense challenge of managing a dressing room filled with global superstars.
However, the incoming manager remained unfazed by the intense pressure associated with the Spanish capital.
“It’s not something that worries me much,” Arbeloa stated at his unveiling earlier this year.
Building crucial squad relationships
Two months into his tenure, the former Spanish international is seeing his foundational work yield impressive results on the pitch.
Throughout March, Los Blancos secured monumental victories against some of the most elite tactical minds in European football.
His revitalised side dismantled Jose Mourinho’s Benfica, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, and Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid in rapid succession.
Those crucial triumphs have kept the reigning European champions within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
A defining Clasico looms in May, while a mouth-watering Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich awaits.
Overcoming mid-season challenges
Following last week’s thrilling 3-2 derby victory over Atletico, the manager reflected on his growing bond with the squad.
“I’m getting to know the players more and more,” said the Madrid boss.
He openly acknowledged that stepping into the dugout mid-season created unique and demanding hurdles.
“I arrived at a time when I practically had no time to work with the players, to understand where they felt comfortable, and to see how they mixed with each other.”
The relentless schedule initially prevented him from implementing immediate, sweeping tactical changes on the training ground.
“For me, it’s not easy to arrive mid-season and observe how the team functions, and that’s what has changed over these two months.”
The head coach now believes he possesses the personal and professional insight required to maximise his squad’s overall performance.
Unlocking Vinicius Junior’s potential
One key figure thriving under this newfound managerial approach is Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr.
The dynamic winger has started 16 of the 17 matches since the managerial change, experiencing a massive surge in attacking output.
He has already netted 11 times under the new regime, starkly contrasting the six goals he managed in 27 appearances under predecessor Xabi Alonso.
Instead of implementing restrictive tactical instructions, the coaching staff has actively encouraged the attacker to play with complete freedom.
“I’m lucky to have Vini, he’s loved by all the fans,” Arbeloa noted during his initial press briefing.
“We want to see the Vini who enjoys playing, who laughs, who dances… that’s the Vini I want to see.”
Restoring confidence after tension
This supportive environment represents a dramatic shift from the reported dressing room friction during Alonso’s previous tenure.
The frustrated forward was allegedly caught muttering his desire to leave the club after being substituted during October’s tense Clasico defeat.
Since arriving, his new manager has fiercely defended him from external criticism and solidified his status as an untouchable asset.
“He’s one of the most dangerous players, if not the most dangerous, in the world and he embodies what a Real Madrid player is,” added the coach.
Following this unwavering public backing, the electric attacker has officially put transfer talks on hold and recommitted his future to the Spanish giants.
Premier League sides Arsenal and Liverpool are aiming to conquer Europe as the Champions League quarter-final stage approaches.
Only two of the six English clubs remain in the prestigious competition following a dramatic knockout round.
The Gunners secured their progression by defeating Bayer Leverkusen, while the Merseyside outfit overcame Galatasaray.
Familiar foes await in the last eight
The Reds will face a tricky rematch against Paris Saint-Germain in their upcoming tie.
The French powerhouses eliminated the six-time European champions on penalties last season and recently knocked out Chelsea.
Meanwhile, the North Londoners must navigate past Portuguese giants Sporting CP.
That clash is a repeat of a dramatic Europa League encounter from the 2022-23 campaign, which the Lisbon side won via a penalty shootout.
Pundits predict ultimate European glory
Former England defender Jamie Carragher is confident that the trophy will finally head to the Emirates Stadium.
The television broadcaster predicts Mikel Arteta’s squad will beat Barcelona in the semi-finals before edging past PSG in the Budapest showpiece.
Most people will say Bayern are a better team than PSG this season but that will not sway me. PSG will be in the final.
That high line will cost Barcelona in the semi-final against Arsenal.
So a PSG-Arsenal final and then the winner will be… Arsenal will win the Champions League for the first time in their history.
Henry torn between former clubs
Fellow pundit Thierry Henry faces a conflict of interest when assessing the potential semi-finalists.
The legendary French striker remains torn between backing his former English employers and Spanish heavyweights Barcelona.
However, the World Cup winner also highlighted Bayern Munich as serious contenders to lift the coveted trophy.
The Bavarian titans are scheduled to face Real Madrid in a mouth-watering fixture after Los Blancos eliminated Manchester City.
Elsewhere in the draw, Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid face a formidable test against Barcelona following their victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
England international Cole Palmer is reportedly disillusioned with life at Chelsea and could leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with Manchester United among several top European clubs monitoring the £150m-rated forward.
The former Manchester City academy graduate has emerged as a standout performer in west London but is now believed to be seeking a new challenge.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also actively tracking the playmaker, who commands a significant valuation in the current transfer market.
Casemiro nears Major League Soccer switch
Elsewhere, experienced midfielder Casemiro is preparing to depart Old Trafford at the conclusion of the current campaign.
Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami have already initiated discussions with the Brazilian veteran regarding a potential transatlantic transfer.
The five-time Champions League winner remains open to exploring options in the United States, despite attracting lucrative rival offers from Saudi Arabia.
Old Firm rivals track Sheffield United striker
North of the border, Scottish Premiership heavyweights Celtic and Rangers are preparing a summer battle for Sheffield United forward Tyrese Campbell.
The Glasgow rivals have both reignited their long-standing interest in the English attacker ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Meanwhile, the Ibrox club are actively looking to trim their squad and are reportedly close to selling winger Rabbi Matondo to Norwegian side Brann Bergen.
Verstappen casts doubt on Formula 1 future
Away from football, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has sparked sudden speculation regarding his long-term commitment to Formula 1.
The Dutch world champion endured a frustrating qualifying session at the Japanese Grand Prix, finishing a lowly 11th on the grid behind an 18-year-old rookie team-mate.
In domestic cricket, Sussex face severe disruption this summer with up to eight players and their head coach potentially departing amid looming financial cuts and point deductions.
The United States suffered a severe setback in their World Cup preparations as Belgium secured an emphatic 5-2 victory at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday.
Weston McKennie initially rewarded the tournament co-hosts for an impressive start, turning in an Antonee Robinson corner at the back post to claim his first international goal in three years.
However, Zeno Debast levelled for the European side on the stroke of half-time with a stunning long-range strike.
Defensive vulnerabilities exposed
The visitors ruthlessly exploited a makeshift American defence after the interval, scoring three times during a devastating 15-minute spell.
Amadou Onana fired the Red Devils ahead before Charles De Ketelaere converted a penalty following a handball by home captain Tim Ream.
Dodi Lukebakio then delivered the standout moment of the match, curling a magnificent effort into the top corner beyond returning goalkeeper Matt Turner.
The Belgian attacker added his second and the visitors’ fifth late in the game, prompting early exits from frustrated sections of the 66,867-strong crowd.
Injuries hamper Pochettino’s plans
Substitute Patrick Agyemang managed a late consolation for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, but the heavy defeat snapped a promising five-game unbeaten streak under the Argentine manager.
The hosts were severely depleted at the back, missing key defenders Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards and Miles Robinson alongside holding midfielder Tyler Adams.
Consequently, Tim Weah was forced to start at right-back and endured a torrid afternoon attempting to contain Manchester City winger Jérémy Doku.
Final preparations approach
The defeat extends Belgium’s winning run against the Americans to six consecutive matches, a dominant streak dating back to their lone loss at the inaugural 1930 tournament.
Pochettino now faces a crucial final assessment window when his squad returns to Atlanta to host Portugal on Tuesday before naming his roster in May.
The Stars and Stripes will launch their World Cup campaign against Paraguay on 12 June in Inglewood, California.
Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are among eight players to leave the England squad before Tuesday’s friendly against Japan at Wembley.
An official statement confirmed the pair are returning to the Premier League leaders for a medical assessment.
They had originally been part of a distinct group of players rested for the recent 1-1 draw with Uruguay.
Injury setbacks force withdrawals
Winger Noni Madueke departs the setup after suffering a heavy collision during the first half of Friday’s stalemate.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and Manchester City defender John Stones have also been released after sustaining a knock and a calf issue respectively.
Fikayo Tomori, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale complete the list of departures having already featured against the South Americans.
Tuchel balances squad rotation
The German manager previously outlined a strategy to split his selection across these two pre-World Cup fixtures.
This novel approach was designed to ensure his core group of established internationals receives adequate rest.
Nine fresh faces will now integrate into the remaining 27-man group, including returning captain Harry Kane and Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon.
Promising talents such as Morgan Rogers, Elliott Anderson and Nico O’Reilly have also arrived alongside experienced defenders Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and Dan Burn.
Meanwhile, medical staff have cleared Phil Foden to remain with the national team despite the playmaker enduring a forceful challenge from Ronald Araujo in their previous outing.
Arsenal are awaiting a medical update on Noni Madueke after the winger sustained a worrying knee injury during England’s 1-1 friendly draw against Uruguay at Wembley on Friday.
The 24-year-old was forced off late in the first half following a heavy collision with opposition striker Rodrigo Aguirre.
Fears over the severity of the issue escalated when the dynamic forward was later seen leaving the stadium wearing a protective brace on his left leg.
Tuchel expresses concern over key attacker
National team manager Thomas Tuchel admitted his anxiety regarding the fitness of the talented attacker ahead of Tuesday’s final pre-World Cup warm-up match against Japan.
“I’m worried, of course,” Tuchel stated following the stalemate.
“Very sad and upset and hopefully it’s not a big injury. He started well, he was full of energy, he was ready to go.”
“Against a team like Uruguay, who rely on one-against-ones to isolate them, he makes the spaces open up and he could have been a key player for us.”
Arteta’s mounting fitness crisis
The latest setback deepens a growing selection crisis for Mikel Arteta’s squad as they approach crucial FA Cup and Champions League quarter-final ties against Southampton and Sporting.
The north London club are already reeling from a Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester City last weekend, which resulted in the subsequent international withdrawals of William Saliba, Gabriel and Leandro Trossard.
Those vital first-team figures join an increasingly crowded treatment room that currently houses club captain Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and long-term absentee Mikel Merino.
Furthermore, the Gunners recently lost Eberechi Eze for up to six weeks after he suffered a calf problem during their European victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is facing mounting scrutiny over his World Cup preparations following a flat 1-1 draw against Uruguay under an experimental split-squad strategy.
The Three Lions are now just 80 days away from their tournament opener against Croatia in Texas.
This current international break represents a final opportunity for fringe players to force their way into the final selection.
However, a novel approach by the German tactician has seen an expanded 35-man group divided across two separate fixtures.
Experimental approach yields mixed results
Friday’s disjointed performance against the South Americans predominantly featured rotational options and returning faces.
Experienced defender Harry Maguire and playmaker Phil Foden lined up alongside debutants James Garner and James Trafford.
A completely different 11-man entourage led by captain Harry Kane will now step in for Tuesday’s clash with Japan.
This incoming group contains the most trusted members of the squad, including Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Morgan Rogers.
Lack of top-level tests exposed
The former Bayern Munich boss has only overseen 11 matches since officially taking charge of the national side.
While qualification was secured effortlessly with eight wins and zero goals conceded, the calibre of opposition has been heavily questioned.
Those routine victories came against nations ranked entirely outside the world’s top 20, leaving a severe lack of elite preparation.
A previous 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal last year remains their toughest recent test on paper.
Pundits question collective progress
The explicit intention behind facing Uruguay and Japan was to challenge the team against non-European opponents ranked inside the global top 20.
Yet, observers remain unconvinced that the current camp has provided meaningful answers regarding the overall tactical setup.
“We expected an indifferent performance because of the changes,” former international goalkeeper Paul Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I’m not so sure we have learned anything different about the team as a collective.”
“It wasn’t a performance to be judged as a team – it was for individuals.”
BBC senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel echoed these sentiments regarding the overall value of the Wembley exercise.
“I wouldn’t go as far as saying it was a pointless exercise – but I’m not sure Tuchel would have left Wembley having gleaned too much new information,” Mokbel added.