Tottenham Hotspur is in the final stages of hiring Igor Tudor as their interim head coach for the remainder of the season, according to sources speaking to ESPN.
Negotiations advanced rapidly over the last day as Spurs intensified their search following the dismissal of Thomas Frank on Monday, just eight months into his tenure.
ESPN sources indicate that Tottenham focused on a select group of candidates and deemed Tudor the top choice due to his extensive coaching experience, which includes a recent seven-month period with Juventus.
The 47-year-old has reached a verbal agreement to assume the position, although the contract details are still being finalized.
ESPN’s sources report that Spurs expect Tudor to be in place by Monday, just in time for the players’ return from a five-day break. Their next fixture is against north London rivals Arsenal at home on February 22.
Tudor departed Juventus in October following an eight-match winless streak and has previously managed several teams across Europe, including Hajduk Split (twice), Udinese (twice), Marseille, and Lazio.
Reports suggest that Tudor, who won two Serie A titles as a player with Juventus, will have the opportunity to make a case for a permanent position if he succeeds in his interim role.
Currently, Tottenham sits in 16th place, five points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, with a Champions League round-of-16 tie on the horizon next month.
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Former Spurs manager and current U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino is a prominent candidate for a permanent position and would be well-received by fans; however, his future post-tournament remains uncertain.
Roberto De Zerbi, after his departure from Marseille, is available, while Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola are concluding their contracts with Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth, respectively.
Before appointing Frank, Spurs also considered Fulham manager Marco Silva.