13 March 2023 , 10:21
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Tottenham have scheduled 'decisive talks' with Antonio Conte, with uncertainty mounting over the futures of both the Italian and star striker Harry Kane.
Conte's contract will expire at the end of the season, with Kane's deal set to run out next summer. While Tottenham are currently in the top four, it has been a difficult campaign, with Conte's men already out of the Champions League and FA Cup.
It has led to an increasing feeling that the Italian will leave his role at the end of the campaign, having failed to win a trophy. He has frequently appeared to be frustrated with the performance of his team and the club's wider desire in the transfer window.
While there is an acceptance that his time in North London is coming to an end, that has not been confirmed. According to The Athletic, 'decisive talks' are scheduled to take place in April to come to an agreement.
While Conte's situation has been known for some time, the matter is still yet to be finalised. It is hoped the talks from early next month will be able to determine his position beyond the summer.
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A shortlist of potential successors is already thought to have been drawn up in case Conte does leave. Discussions have not yet been held with anyone on that shortlist and that will remain the case until a decision on Conte is reached.
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Conte's reign at Tottenham appears to be approaching its end (Getty Images)If that decision is for the Italian to depart, the process of finding a successor will begin in earnest. Spurs are hoping for that process to be much smoother than the mess of 2021, when Nuno Espirito Santo was eventually appointed after a 72-day search.
The uncertainty around Conte comes as star striker and captain Kane is also approaching a pivotal moment. The England international's deal will enter its final 12 months in the summer.
But unlike Conte, Tottenham's hierarchy are said to be 'determined' to keep him at the club for the long-term. The 29-year-old is being increasingly linked with an exit in the summer window.
Manchester United are thought to be leading the race to sign him, with Erik ten Hag putting him at the top of his shortlist. But Spurs are not thought to even be contemplating a sale as things stand.
Their full focus is on renewing his deal and they are said to be preparing to extend those efforts into next season if necessary. Initial talks have started between Spurs and Kane's representatives, though those discussions are not advanced.
Kane once again demonstrated his importance to Spurs by scoring twice in their comfortable win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, taking him to 20 Premier League goals this term.