Antonio Conte contract latest as Tottenham plan fresh talks with manager

Tottenham are reportedly preparing to open new contract talks with Antonio Conte, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Former Chelsea and Italy manager Conte took over in November 2021 after the dismissal of Nuno Espirito Santo. After helping Spurs clinch a Champions League berth on the final day of the 2021-22 season, he has led them into the last 16 of the competition where they will take on AC Milan.

The 53-year-old has been critical of certain elements of the club structure during his 13 months in charge, particularly on the transfer front. As recently in October, he suggested Spurs need a bigger squad to compete at the top of the Premier League, with a packed fixture schedule on the way when his team return to action at the end of the calendar year.

According to The Athletic, talks with Conte are expected to get back underway this week. Initial discussions were reportedly held before the World Cup, and are now due to resume.

The club has an option to extend the manager's deal by a further year, but talks are expected to centre around the potential of a longer extension. Spurs currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, though Manchester United in fifth have a game in hand, and will resume their campaign with a Boxing Day derby away to Brentford.

Spurs' transfer plans are also likely to be discussed with the Italian, given his previous comments. The London club spent more than £100m over the summer, with Brazil striker Richarlison the highest-profile addition to Conte's squad, but more signings could arrive in the January window.

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Richarlison is one of the Spurs stars set to rejoin the squad after their World Cup exploits, with Brazil losing their quarter-final against Croatia. Their England internationals are also on their way back, and Conte will hope he can call upon the likes of Harry Kane and Eric Dier when his team returns to action.

The London side still have three representatives in Qatar, with the semi-finals taking place this week. Club captain Hugo Lloris will skipper France for their game against Morocco, while Croatia's Ivan Perisic and Argentina's Cristian Romero will be on opposing sides in the first of the semis.

"You know very well that if you want to be competitive and if you want to be really considered a title contender, or considered a team to win a trophy, you need players with great quality," Conte said before the World Cup, amid questions over January recruitment. "You see the example of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea and these teams are really strong. Strong squad with a great quality.

"For this reason, when I speak with you and I tell you that after only one year, don't forget that we were playing in the Conference League after we finished seventh, it means that you need a process. You need time."

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