Roberto De Zerbi picks Spurs assistant & will become one of Prem's highest-paid managers

Alessandro Nesta has been offered a role on Tottenham Hotspur’s coaching staff, according to a new report, as Roberto De Zerbi moves closer to becoming of the Premier League's highest-paid managers.

De Zerbi, who has been out of work since departing Marseille in February, is on the verge of becoming Tottenham's third head coach of the season.

The Italian is the 'unanimous choice' at board and ownership level, according to a report from Sky Sports, which claims the club's executive team are 'convinced' he can make an immediate impact.

If he does take over, De Zerbi will need to hit the ground running. Spurs currently sit one point above the Premier League relegation zone with seven games to play.

The 46-year-old's first match would be a trip to Sunderland, a match that could see World Cup winner and former Italy defender Nesta in the Stadium of Light dugout on April 12.

Nesta's last coaching role was at Monza. Image credit: Getty

Nesta has been offered the assistant role by De Zerbi, according to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, who claims the former defender is now considering the proposal.

Since hanging up his boots, Nesta has worked as a head coach at Miami FC, Perugia, Frosinone, Reggiana and most recently Monza.

Roberto De Zerbi would become one of Premier League's highest-paid managers if he takes Spurs job

De Zerbi has been offered a long-term contract and a significant financial package at Tottenham, which would make him one of the Premier League's highest-paid managers, according to The Athletic.

Tim Sherwood, who spent five months in charge of Spurs during the 2013/14 campaign, has given his take on the De Zerbi rumours.

"I love his personality and the way his teams play," said Sherwood. "But they can be open and can get hammered in some games - you can't get hammered between now and the end of the season.

"[De Zerbi] wanted to have a break after Marseille in February, but why didn't [Spurs] bring him in then? Why didn't they bring him in before Igor Tudor?"

Sherwood added: "You'd have given him another seven games to go at, then I would've had total confidence that he would keep them in the league."