Roberto De Zerbi is not expected to join Tottenham – or any other club – before the end of the season, according to Sky in Italy.

The 46-year-old intends to avoid an immediate return to football – after departing Marseille last month – and, instead, wants to wait to evaluate his options in the summer.

This is not thought to be a specific refusal to join Tottenham, who have an interest in the former Brighton boss for the next permanent head coach, among several candidates.

De Zerbi is confident in his choice, according to Sky in Italy, regardless of the offers and clubs that have contacted him since leaving Marseille so far – and this is why he is not expected to be back on the bench until next season.

It remains to be seen whether anything would cause him to change his mind, amid continued uncertainty over interim head coach Igor Tudor’s position during the international break.

Spurs are believed to be considering all their options in the wake of another crippling home defeat to Nottingham Forest that has left them just a point above the relegation zone.