Tottenham news: Expert fears Antonio Conte plans 'delayed by 12 months' after significant development
Paul Robinson fears Antonio Conte's plans would be "pushed back 12 months" if Tottenham miss out on the top four this season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former White Hart Lane number one said Champions League football is "huge" for attracting and affording top players in the transfer market.
The Lilywhites re-ignited their top-four bid with a 2-0 win at Brighton on Wednesday night.
It proved to be a significant result for Spurs, with fourth-placed Arsenal beaten 2-0 by Liverpool at the Emirates.
Speaking to Sky Sports last month (19 February), Conte claimed it is a necessity that Tottenham strengthen in the summer window.
Robinson suggested Champions League qualification would force Daniel Levy to loosen the pursestrings.
"Champions League football is a massive draw for football," he told Football Insider.
"Not qualifying for the Champions League puts Conte's business plans back another 12 months.
"It would be huge financially for Spurs if they can get into the Champions League. You would see a better calibre of player coming into the club if they qualified.
"The Champions League is where Spurs want to be. It is not a must for them but it would be amazing if they were able to get top four given where Spurs were when Conte took over.
"There could be no excuse for not spending if Spurs finished in the top four. If Champions League revenue is coming in you should be competing for top players.
"Spurs have Conte though, which is a major asset in the transfer market. You are already winning when he is your manager. Players want to play for him."