Maresca's Future Lies with City, Not Spurs, Says Romano

Fabrizio Romano has moved to clarify the managerial landscape at both ends of Manchester, insisting that Enzo Maresca remains Manchester City's prime target should Pep Guardiola depart—and that any Tottenham link for the former Chelsea boss remains purely speculative.

Spurs' hierarchy pulled the trigger on Thomas Frank following Tuesday's 2-1 reverse at Newcastle, a result that extended their barren Premier League run to eight matches without victory. With just one win from their last eleven outings, patience had worn thin in North London.

Igor Tudor has stepped into the breach on an interim basis, the Croatian signing a five-month contract through to the end of the campaign with no extension clause attached. Romano confirmed the arrangement on his YouTube channel, noting that Tottenham view this purely as a stopgap measure whilst they chart their course for a permanent appointment come summer.

That hunt for a long-term solution has narrowed considerably. According to Romano, Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi represent Tottenham's two principal targets. However, both men present complications: Pochettino remains wholly committed to the United States national team ahead of the World Cup, effectively ruling out any near-term switch, whilst De Zerbi is taking his time to survey the wider European market before committing to any fresh project.

The chatter linking Maresca to the Tottenham job has gained traction in recent days, but Romano's reading of the situation differs markedly. The Italian, axed by Chelsea earlier this season following a fundamental breakdown with the board, sits atop City's shortlist should Guardiola opt to move on. Guardiola remains contracted until 2027, but City are already plotting their succession strategy. Romano was emphatic: there remains nothing substantive between Maresca and Tottenham at this juncture.

Tudor, meanwhile, comprehends the temporary nature of his appointment and the broader context in which he operates. Tottenham's summer reshuffle will determine the club's direction, but for now, the interim manager holds the fort.