Tottenham's attempts to convince Antonio Conte to pen a new long-term contract with the club before their Premier League campaign resumes next week look set to fail.
Conte, 53, has made a huge impact since he was appointed by Daniel Levy last November. The former Chelsea chief lifted the gloom following the disastrous reign of Nuno Espirito Santo and managed to secure Champions League qualification against the odds last term.
Spurs have maintained their momentum under the Italian and sat fourth in the top-flight standings prior to the World Cup break. However, there are growing concerns over Conte's long-term future: his current deal expires at the end of the season, and although Tottenham do have an option to extend it by a further year, fresh talks over a new deal have failed to produce an agreement.
That's according to The Daily Mail, who claim that Conte is stalling on a contract offer that would see him pocket a cool £1million-a-year pay increase. The report outlines that Conte, whose family is still living in Italy, is currently in 'no rush' to resolve his future as he waits to see how the January transfer window plays out.
Conte will be expecting further backing from Levy in the transfer market next month, with a defender and an attacking player believed to be on the agenda.
Levy, who opened discussions with Conte over a new deal prior to the World Cup, is 'relaxed' about the situation. But Conte's stance, which is consistent with his approach at other clubs, will increase the pressure on Tottenham to be active in January.
Conte had already warned Levy earlier this year that he would only stay long-term if the club matched his ambitions - both on and off the pitch.
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"I’m open to improve the Tottenham situation and I decided to sign a contract with this club and I’m available to give my opinion, to give my vision and it won’t be a problem for me, a short contract – only one year to go," Conte said when discussing his situation back in January.
"It won’t be a problem and I don’t want to commit to clubs for many years because I understand the salary is an important salary for the club and I have to deserve this type of contract.
"It’s OK because Tottenham has to be sure 120 per cent to continue to work with me.
"I’m happy to work with this group because they are giving me great availability. But at the same time, you know the club has to know my vision, has to know my opinion about the situation and especially what is our ambition."
