Journalist explains why Spurs are in a catch-22 with Conte ahead of January

Journalist Dean Jones has pointed out that Tottenham would be taking a risk by backing Antonio Conte with readymade signings in January since the Italian is not willing to commit his future to the club beyond the end of the season.

Some reports over recent months have indicated that Spurs are prepared to back Conte in January, with the Italian thought to have asked for three signings next month (Evening Standard).

However, The Athletic revealed last week that some sources close to key figures at Spurs are now less optimistic that the 53-year-old will sign a new contract.

The report added that Conte might want to be convinced that the Tottenham hierarchy shares the same ambition as he does before signing on the dotted line.

However, the Tottenham head coach told Sky Sport Italia (via Fabrizio Romano) on Tuesday that he is prepared to follow the ‘clubs vision’ and ‘invest in young players’ with ‘accessible salaries’.

Jones believes that Conte wants two ‘elite’ signings in January, which Spurs might be hesitant to deliver since the Italian might leave at the end of the season.

The journalist told GiveMeSport: “It’s one thing for Conte to outline, let’s say, two prime signings for January. Conte doesn’t want club signings. He wants elite signings that immediately improve a starting XI, and that’s fine because Tottenham do want success quickly.

“But ultimately, if Conte isn’t willing to commit his own future to the club beyond the end of the season, the club have to be a little bit careful because what if they spend a load of money on two signings and are paying them 150 grand a week, 200 grand a week and then suddenly the next manager doesn’t want them and they’re left with players that don’t fit in?”

Spurs Web Opinion

This is a chicken and egg sort of situation, with Conte wanting Spurs to spend big to commit his future and the club wanting assurances that the Italian will stay for the long term before backing him with big-money signings.

I can certainly understand why Conte would be hesitant to sign a new deal without certain assurances. At the same time, it is also easy to understand why the Spurs hierarchy are cautious as the Italian does not tend to stick around at clubs for too long.

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