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Roberto De Zerbi ready to pick Tottenham job over Manchester United summer move - Paper Round
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Published 12/02/2026 at 22:55 GMT
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Roberto De Zerbi could join Tottenham instead of Manchester United, while Liverpool hope central defender Ibrahima Konate will sign a new contract to stay at Anfield. Elsewhere, Vitor Pereira is a target for Nottingham Forest after Sean Dyche's dismissal, and Al Ittihad are keen to sign Mohamed Salah from Liverpool as Cristiano Ronaldo is linked with a departure from the Saudi Pro League.
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De Zerbi keen on Spurs
Roberto De Zerbi is willing to take the Tottenham job ahead of any potential vacancy at Manchester United.
The former Marseille boss could plump for Spurs because they are already able to appoint a permanent manager following the sacking of Thomas Frank earlier this week.
Man Utd appointed Michael Carrick as their interim head coach until the end of the season following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
The i Paper states: "Sources close to former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi told The i Paper he is interested in the job and sees it as the ‘next logical step’ in his coaching career after leading Marseille to second place in Ligue 1 last season. He has just parted ways with the French club, leaving in acrimonious fashion after they were thrashed 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain, but he is ready to get straight back to work.
"De Zerbi’s brand of attacking football at Brighton won admirers and many of the systems he instilled at the club are still in place.
"He is fiercely loyal to his charges and specialises in uniting fractured squads – something Spurs could do with right now.
"Manchester United have De Zerbi high on their own shortlist to become their next permanent manager at the end of the season – Michael Carrick is only an interim coach – but Spurs’ ability to move quickly could scupper their plans."
Liverpool want Konate stay
Liverpool are hoping to persuade Ibrahima Konate to stay at the club despite securing a summer move for Jeremy Jacquet.
The Athletic reports that Konate has "remained tight-lipped" over his future, meaning he could still recommit to life at Anfield.
The website explains: "Having already agreed a deal with Rennes to sign 20-year-old centre-back Jeremy Jacquet for an initial fee of £55 million this summer, Liverpool are planning for the future. Whether Jacquet will replace Konate or compete with him for a place is unclear. The latter would certainly be preferable.
"The Anfield hierarchy haven’t given up hope of Konate signing an extension. They point to how Van Dijk and Salah didn’t agree fresh terms until April last season when their contracts were running down.
"The difference is that they were in their thirties and both had repeatedly made it clear that their preference was to remain at Anfield. Konate is only 26 and has remained tight-lipped regarding his own ambitions. However, if the Frenchman already has something else lined up for the summer, he’s done a good job of keeping it quiet."
Pereira may replace Dyche
Former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vitor Pereira could be brought in to replace the sacked Sean Dyche at Nottingham Forest.
Dyche did not see out the season after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo, and Pereira is a target according to the Daily Mail.
The paper claims: "Vitor Pereira is a contender to take charge of Nottingham Forest after the dismissal of Sean Dyche in the early hours of Thursday.
"Dyche was sacked hours after Forest could only draw 0-0 with the Premier League’s bottom club Wolves - who themselves sacked Pereira last November after a dreadful start to the season.
"With Forest now looking for a fourth manager of the season following the departures of Nuno Espírito Santo, Ange Postecoglou and Dyche, Daily Mail Sport understands they are interested in speaking to Pereira, though there would be several hurdles still to clear. Daily Mail Sport reported on Wednesday night that Pereira was in the frame."
Salah targeted by Al Ittihad
Al Ittihad are believed to be in negotiations with Mohamed Salah as they look to bring the Liverpool star to Saudi Arabia.
The winger has long been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League and the Daily Star suggests his current club might be keen to get his wages off their books.
The paper writes: "Salah has allegedly begun discussions with Saudi Arabian outfit Al Ittihad to hammer out a deal that could see Liverpool's star man succeed Cristiano Ronaldo as the poster boy of the Saudi Pro League.
"Salah was touted for a move to the Saudi Pro League in 2024, but those whispers were silenced after the forward penned a two-year deal to remain on Merseyside towards the end of last campaign.
"The possibility of cutting Salah's substantial salary could appeal to Liverpool's hierarchy, who would also be seeking a considerable transfer sum."
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