Antonio Conte could lead Tottenham exodus after ‘jawdropping’ talks update – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed Tottenham stars like Harry Kane could question their futures if Antonio Conte stalls on committing to a new contract.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted playing under the 53-year-old serial winner is the “big draw” for the current squad and transfer targets alike.
Sources told this site in October that Tottenham are offering Conte a jaw-dropping new deal worth more than £20million-a-year.
The Athletic reported on Monday (12 December) that Spurs are set to open fresh talks with the Italian this week over his future and plans for the January transfer window.
The report claims the club want a new agreement in place before 1 January – with Conte’s current agreement set to expire at the end of this season.
Tottenham sit fourth in the Premier League and will participate in the Champions League knockout stage after the winter window closes.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “These talks are crucial.
“It could have a bearing on players like Harry Kane. The squad seems quite settled with him in charge, and the relationship seems to be a positive one.
“You’ve got to have that concrete plan in place, and the players want to be sure that they are going to be playing under the same manager in a season’s time. Otherwise, they could start questioning their future too.
“The same goes for signing players. Right now, playing for Conte is the big draw and attraction for their targets.
“But how long has Conte got to wait before he’s winning trophies at Tottenham and challenging in the Champions League?”
In other news, pundit claims January signing could spell the end for £25m Tottenham star – “there’s a lot of talk”.