The Athletic have revealed that some sources close to key figures at Tottenham are now less optimistic that Antonio Conte will sign a new contract.
The report states that there was plenty of optimism when the two parties resumed talks last week but the ‘mood music has now slightly changed’. The prospect of Conte departing at the end of the season is now reportedly seen as more realistic than it was a few months ago.
The Athletic explains that the salary has never been a sticking point between the Tottenham head coach and Daniel Levy, with the Italian’s main concerns being about whether the Spurs chairman is as desperate to win major trophies as he is.
The report states that Conte wants reinforcements in January and does not want the club to fail to sign an elite right wing-back for the third transfer window in a row, which is said to be a possibility as Sporting Lisbon’s Pedro Porro could prove to be expensive.
It is explained that Levy has never broken a promise to the 53-year-old about spending and has always been clear in private that there is not a huge amount of money to spend.
The Athletic also suggests that this might merely be another game of politics by Conte as the Italian is aware of the leverage he has in negotiations, and understands that Levy must keep hold of him to keep Spurs fans happy.
Spurs Web Opinion
These negotiations were never going to be straightforward as we know that Conte likes to push the envelope in terms of demands, particularly if he feels he has leverage. I still believe that the parties will eventually come to a compromise as Levy will be keen to keep Conte at the club and the Italian will want to finish the project that he has started.
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