Tottenham have violated big-money ‘promise’ after what pundit heard from Antonio Conte
Noel Whelan has claimed Antonio Conte’s latest media comments show he is not likely to sign a new Tottenham contract until he is given adequate transfer backing.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, lambasted Spurs chief Daniel Levy for building a new stadium without investing in the playing squad.
Conte is out of contract at the end of this season and is yet to pledge his future to Tottenham despite several rounds of talks.
Sources told this site in October that Tottenham have offered Conte a jaw-dropping new deal worth more than £20million-a-year.
Spurs fans have been left concerned about the Italian’s comments about expectations for this season after he claimed qualifying for the Champions League last season was a “miracle”.
Conte has been public with his discontent at a lack of investment at Spurs – who have a net spend of around £330million over the last five seasons.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “That, to me, sounds like a manager who isn’t getting what he was promised.
“That could be why he’s not signing a new contract.
“He wants to progress this team, but the funds he’s wanting have not been given.
“It’s alright having the best stadium in the world – but what’s the point if you can’t progress the team?
“Arteta was backed, he’s turned Arsenal into a title contender.
“If Conte doesn’t get that same backing, he isn’t signing a contract. It’s simple.”
In other news, pundit backs Tottenham to make “emergency signing” amid “shocking” Hugo Lloris development.