Liverpool could hijack Tottenham move for Piero Ausilio as Spurs deal stalls

Tottenham’s push to appoint former Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio could face a late complication, with Liverpool now being mentioned as another possible Premier League destination for the Italian.

Ausilio left Inter two weeks ago following disagreements over a new contract and wages, ending a relationship with the Serie A club that had lasted more than two decades.

The 54-year-old’s availability immediately attracted attention, with Tottenham holding talks over bringing him to North London. Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly keen to work with his compatriot, while an agent has been involved in trying to finalise the appointment.

However, despite previous suggestions that an agreement was close, respected Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has now indicated Tottenham have not yet secured Ausilio.

Speaking on Sky Italia before Inter’s 5-3 victory over Udinese, Di Marzio suggested Ausilio could indeed be heading to the Premier League but played down claims that his move to Tottenham is advanced.

“Ausilio? He could go to the Premier League,” Di Marzio said. “I don’t think he’s that far along with Tottenham. There were talks over the summer.”

That potentially leaves the door open for another English club to enter negotiations.

According to Di Marzio, Liverpool should not be discounted.

“I wouldn’t rule out Liverpool, who lost their sporting director, who left for Saudi Arabia to be replaced by Simone Inzaghi,” he added. “A Premier League experience could be a possibility.”

There is no suggestion at this stage that Liverpool have made a formal approach. Tottenham therefore remain the club with the clearest documented interest, but Ausilio's availability could attract further attention before his future is settled.

Ausilio would bring significant experience to Tottenham after spending more than 20 years working within Inter's sporting structure.

His time in Milan was associated with a recruitment strategy built around the requirements of the first team, helping Inter establish themselves as one of Italy's most competitive and stable clubs.

That experience could be particularly attractive to Tottenham as they attempt to build a squad capable of returning to European competition.

De Zerbi's relationship with Ausilio could also work in Spurs' favour, but Di Marzio's comments indicate there is still work required before an appointment can be considered complete.

Liverpool's potential involvement adds an intriguing dimension.

The Reds have lost sporting director Richard Hughes, creating an obvious vacancy in their football operation. Ausilio's experience overseeing recruitment and long-term squad planning would make him a logical candidate.

However, the Liverpool connection remains speculative for now. Di Marzio merely stated that he would not rule the club out rather than reporting negotiations between the parties.

Tottenham therefore appear to have a head start, but they may want to turn their discussions into an agreement before another major Premier League club makes its move.

Tottenham will need to decide whether to accelerate negotiations and secure Ausilio before competition emerges.

Liverpool are only being floated as a possibility at this stage, so Spurs remain better positioned based on the reported talks. But with Ausilio available and possessing more than two decades of experience at Inter, his future could quickly become a battle between major Premier League clubs.