Antonio Conte has emerged as a shock target for Tottenham as they continue their hunt for Jose Mourinho’s successor.

Spurs have been in the market for a new boss since Mourinho was relieved of his duties back in April. Rookie manager Ryan Mason was placed at the helm on an interim basis, though he could only guide the club to a Europa Conference League spot while they also suffered defeat in the Carabao Cup final.

It’s been abundantly clear for some time that Mason wouldn’t be offered the role on a permanent basis, though Spurs‘ candidates have been dropping like flies.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers was the first to rule himself out of the running, while the announcement that Erik ten Hag had extended his deal with Ajax looked to have spelled the end of yet another potential pursuit.

Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has recently emerged as a shock candidate to retake the reins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, though The Telegraph now report that former Chelsea boss Conte is also in the frame.

The Italian tactician recently left his role at Inter just weeks after leading them to their first Scudetto in 11 years.

Rumours have circulated that his exit spawned from a disagreement over the club’s finances and the cutbacks the hierarchy were looking to enforce, and it’s understood he is keen on the prospect of a return to England.

Conte’s only previous spell in the Premier League saw him lead Spurs‘ London rivals Chelsea to the title, yet his stay at Stamford Bridge lasted just two years despite also securing an FA Cup triumph in his second season in west London.

Tottenham’s quest to fill their managerial vacancy could well be impacted by Real Madrid. Los Blancos are also on the hunt for a new boss following Zinedine Zidane’s exit and both Pochettino and
Conte have been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.