Tottenham Hotspur in talks to sign Antonio Conte

Tottenham Hotspur has opened negotiations with Antonio Conte to become the club’s next manager. Spurs sacked Jose Mourinho in April and Ryan Mason was appointed as their interim coach till the end of the season. 

Meanwhile, Conte was Inter Milan’s manager last season. After steering Inter to their first Serie A in 11 years, he left the club after it was clear that he will not get the necessary backing to defend the league title. Conte was heavily linked with the vacant head coach role at Real Madrid, but his compatriot Carlo Ancelotti was eventually hired by the Spanish club. On Wednesday, it was widely reported in Italy and England that Spurs have opened talks with Conte. Until last week, Mauricio Pochettino was linked with a return to Spurs. However, this week Paris Saint-Germain has insisted that the Argentine coach is not going anywhere.

The Italian manager has worked with many reputed clubs in Europe like Juventus, Inter Milan, and Chelsea in the past. He has won Serie A four times. The 51-year-old has also won the Premier League title and FA Cup with Chelsea during his two-year stint at the club. 

Along with Conte, Fabio Paratici, former Juventus’s Chief Football Officer has been reportedly offered a contract by Tottenham Hotspur. Paratici left the Italian club last month before Juventus fired Andrea Pirlo and brought back Massimiliano Allegri to the club.  Paratici has earlier worked with Conte during the manager’s 3-year-spell at Bianconeri. 

Conte was paid a full €7 million after his mutual agreement with Inter Milan owners to leave the club. The Italian manager may get similar wages at Spurs. However, if he signs for the club then it is assured that he’ll receive a long-term contract, a sporting project, and new signings. His biggest task will be to convince ace striker Harry Kane to stay at the club. The English striker is reportedly looking for a transfer this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur finished seventh in Premier League on with 62 points. They missed out on a spot for Europa League and Champions League but the London-based club will play in qualifier round of the UEFA Conference League next season.