Collapse of Conte talks sees Tottenham turn to two-time title-winning manager

Tottenham are reportedly ready to renew their interest in a former managerial target after the collapse of talks with Italian Antonio Conte.

Widespread reports on Friday evening claimed that a deal to take the former Inter Milan boss to north London had fallen through. A number of issues were said to be involved, including Conte’s demands and concerns over which direction the club is going in.

The collapse leaves Daniel Levy still searching for his next manager after Spurs sacked Jose Mourinho back in April.

Former boss Mauricio Pochettino was tipped for a surprise return to the club. However, his current club PSG are refusing to let the Argentine leave.

And now a report in the Evening Standard claims that Tottenham are trying to lure Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag again.

The Dutchman, along with Julian Nagelsmann, was one of the early favourites for the job. But when he signed a new deal with Ajax it appeared to completely rule him out.

The failure to land Conte, plus PSG’s stance on Pochettino has left Levy somewhat in a crisis. The club need to appoint a new manager as soon as possible to begin squad planning for next season.

The imminent arrival of former Juventus director of football Fabio Patarici should help in that regard. However. Levy’s options appear to be running out.

Transfer Chatter - Chelsea and Manchester City forward blow, Sancho deal agreed and PSG in talks with Ronaldo.

Transfer Chatter - Chelsea and Manchester City forward blow, Sancho deal agreed and PSG in talks with Ronaldo.

Chelsea and Manchester City suffer striker blow after television claims, Jadon Sancho fee agreed and Cristiano Ronaldo in talk to move to France, all in today's transfer chatter

Brighton’s Graham Potter and Fulham chief Scott Parker remain in the frame. But Ten Hag is now once again the focus of attention.

Ten Hag’s links come just days after Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano suggested he was no longer an option.

Turning back to the Dutchman, who has won the Eredivisie title twice, does appear a bit desperate – especially given that Spurs will have to pay a hefty compensation fee.

But Levy needs to act as quickly as possible, as the Tottenham chairman also looks to keep an unhappy Harry Kane at the club.


Give our social media channels a follow – we’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram


Tottenham told to sell misfit

Meanwhile, Tottenham have been told to sell troublesome Dele Alli and boost their summer transfer budget so they can freshen up their squad ahead of next season.

After another difficult season, Alli’s future remains under some doubt. The midfielder made just 16 starts in all competitions and scored only three goals as he failed to win over ex-boss Jose Mourinho. More opportunities came his way after the Portuguese coach was sacked, but he was still unable to make much impact.

The 25-year-old has since admitted that 2020/21 was the most difficult year of his career. And after he came close to departing for PSG in January, it has been put forward that starting afresh elsewhere could be beneficial.

Dele Alli, Tottenham midfielder's future in doubt, TEAMtalk

Former Spurs ‘keeper Paul Robinson recently argued that new surroundings would get the best out of him once again.

Now, Danny Mills has explained why he feels a switch away from the North London club is needed. He cited the disruptive impact he has on the squad.

Asked if it is time for Alli to leave by Football Insider, he said: “Yes. If it’s not working, you can’t have mavericks in a team game. If somebody’s upsetting the team ethic you have to move them on.

“Maybe he needs a fresh challenge, we’ve said it many times.”

Alli can fund Spurs deals

On the back of a disappointing campaign and with the departure of Harry Kane a real possibility, Tottenham may be busy in the transfer window as they look to rebuild next term.

Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus is one player being linked. Defensive options are also being eyed, with Lyon’s Joachim Andersen their number one target to reinforce their backline.

And raising funds for those incomings is another reason to let Alli go, according to Mills.

“You can sell him on and bring good money in,” he added.

“You could possibly bring in a couple of players in off the back of selling Dele Alli.”

READ MORE: Mourinho ‘talks’ with senior Tottenham star surface over ‘last chance’ option