Spurs ready to appoint permanent manager in international break with top target named

Spurs are set to make yet another managerial change and cut ties with Igor Tudor after the dismal home defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank, finally won his first game in charge last week when Spurs beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 in a dead-rubber Champions League round of 16 second leg.

But the team did not turn a corner and the relegation six-pointer with Forest on Sunday was a disaster, with Spurs beaten 3-0 after goals from Igor Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi.

That handed Tudor his fifth loss since taking the reins and leaves Spurs just one point clear of West Ham, who lost to Aston Villa.

The Croatian was not on post-match media duties after he was informed of the death of his father Mario. The club said their "thoughts and condolences go out to Igor and his family during this incredibly difficult time".

Former Juventus boss Tudor was appointed until the end of the season but recent reports indicate that he could find himself relieved of his duties very shortly.

The Times say that Spurs are seriously considering making a permanent managerial appointment, with former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi their top target.

Igor Tudor has taken one point from a possible 15 in the Premier League. Image: Getty

Ex boss Mauricio Pochettino and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola are also contenders but De Zerbi is available after leaving Ligue One side Marseille via mutual consent last month.

It could be that desperate Spurs replace Tudor with Di Zerbi but ensure a relegation close is included in his contract in the event that the dreaded scenario happens.

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Spurs have never been relegated since the Premier League's inception in 1992 but are in locked in a genuine relegation battle nearly a year on from winning the Europa League.

After the international break, they take on Sunderland in their next fixture on 12 April before games against Brighton and Wolves.

Spurs' final four fixtures see them face Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton - their final day opponents on 24 May.

According to BBC Sport, Spurs suffering relegation would set them back more than £250 million, with ticket revenue, commercial income and overall broadcast revenue all taking a monumental dent.