Antonio Conte is in talks over the vacant managerial position at Tottenham, according to reports.
Spurs have been on the hunt for a new manager since relieving Jose Mourinho of his duties in April - and have been linked with a host of names.
The likes of Graham Potter, Brendan Rodgers and Mauricio Pochettino have all been under consideration, but following Conte's departure from Inter Milan, he is another name that has emerged.
The former Chelsea boss left Inter after a reported disagreement with the club's hierarchy, very shortly after the Milan-based outfit secured the Serie A title.
According to Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are currently in talks with Conte over their project, his contract and salary.
The 51-year-old previously managed Chelsea, where he spent two years, and secured the Premier League title at Stamford Bridge.
Conte managed controversial striker Diego Costa during his time in west London, but just for one season - with the centre-forward scoring 20 goals in 42 appearances during the 2016/17 campaign in all competitions.
An interview from the Spaniard back in 2018 suggested that the two clashed when they were at the Blues, with Conte out of a job at the point of Costa's comments, following leaving Chelsea.
He told Marca: “I was wrong going to Chelsea because of their way of dealing with things. It was a very bad moment, but it wasn’t my fault.
“People said things, but time puts everything in its place. Look where the coach is now, look at Conte.
“(Diego) Simeone is a direct coach, and when he doesn’t love you, it’s clear and he facilitates it. At Chelsea it was the opposite.”
These comments from Costa, albeit a few years ago now, could come as a warning to Spurs and Daniel Levy if the latest reports are to be believed.
They came after Costa 'leaked' a text message he received from Conte in the summer of 2017 - just before the striker left Stamford Bridge - with the manager telling him to leave the club.
The former Blues boss apparently texted all of his players wishing them a good holiday and telling them to stay fit, before Costa sent a jokey reply back.
The Italian then replied: "Hi Diego, I hope you are well. Thanks for the season we spent together. Good luck for the next year but you are not in my plan."
"My relationship with the coach has been bad this season," the Spanish striker said while on international duty.
"It is a shame, I have already forwarded the message to Chelsea people to decide."
