Tottenham insider reveals secret plan to avoid '£60m' pay-out

Tottenham Hotspur have certainly included a clause in Roberto De Zerbi's contract that would stop him receiving the full pay-out if his is dismissed.

That is according to former senior Tottenham scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The Lilywhites handed the 47-year-old a monstrous five-year contract when he agreed to take over in March, placing him among the best-paid managers in the country.

De Zerbi has never spent more than three years in charge of a single club in his management career, but Tottenham appear confident that they can change that.

The Italian is staunch in his views on strategy and direction, leading to his exit at Brighton, but the North London club are following his lead.

Tottenham are on course to spend nearly £400million this summer, with De Zerbi seemingly playing a direct hand in each signing.

Tottenham have a plan for 'if things go pear-shaped'

While Tottenham have backed De Zerbi this summer, there remains a danger that the good feeling will not last.

The Italian has a history of kicking up a fuss and making enemies in the dressing room, and the Lilywhites must prepare for the chance that does happen.

"There must be something in the contract. How long was his contract? Something silly. You can guarantee that if things do go pear-shaped, he isn't going to get five years' money," King told Football Insider.

"Because whoever gave him that contract, be it the football club, it all sounds very, very good. And five years, what are you going to say? £50m? £10m a year? Maybe with bonuses, £55-60m, that's five years' worth.

"As I say, if things go pear-shaped, he isn't going to be getting that full contract. That is for sure. But he'll be well looked after."

Roberto De Zerbi could be Tottenham's Pep Guardiola

Just because De Zerbi has never spent more than three years elsewhere, does not mean he will not at Tottenham.

When Pep Guardiola arrived at Manchester City in 2016, many fans asked whether he was fully committed for the long haul. The Spaniard had yet to be in charge of a club for more than four years.

He would end up staying for a decade, marking the most successful period in English football history.

Those expectations do not apply to De Zerbi, but Tottenham's new manager may well be set to stick around.