‘Definitive white smoke’ – Conte to Tottenham ‘imminent’, assistant sorted, announcement next

Antonio Conte is on the verge of being announced as Tottenham Hotspur manager, after a crazy day for the Premier League club.

Following the club’s 3-0 loss to Manchester United at the weekend, the Italian suddenly became more linked with a move to London than to Old Trafford. Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford eased the pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a little and reduced Conte’s chances of replacing the Norwegian.

Prior to that, there had been repeat claims in Italy that Conte would only be interested in a move to Manchester United at this stage of the season, and not Tottenham.

Things quickly changed, and at just before 10am on Monday came the announcement from Spurs that Nuno Espirito Santo had been relieved of his duties.

There quickly followed claims of a private jet dash by Conte to London, and that he’d be signing a contract until 2023 with the club. The manager was said to have changed his mind after being given assurances on spending in coming windows.

TMW now state the parties are currently meeting to finalise the ‘definitive white smoke’. Signatures are ‘imminent’, and the announcement will then follow. Cristian Stellini is named as the man who will assist Conte at Tottenham.