Tottenham have been warned that Antonio Conte “will walk” if Manchester United look to prise him away from north London.
Despite only joining the club in November, the Italian’s future at Spurs has been pulled into sharp focus after his side’s limp defeat to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Tottenham were comfortably beaten 3-0 across two legs, missing out on the opportunity to end their 14-year wait for a trophy.
The defeat highlighted their need to make additions during the transfer window, with Conte having revealed he had held talks with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and managing director of football Fabio Paratici to outline his targets.
Spurs though have not been a side to splash the cash over the years, calling into question just how much backing Conte will receive, and raising fears over his future.
Those fears haven’t been helped by the fact United are on the lookout for a permanent manager, with Ralf Rangnick currently in charge on an interim role until the end of the season.
The former Juventus boss was linked with Old Trafford before heading to Spurs, although former Tottenham midfielder believes he will be swayed by an approach from United this time if he isn’t backed in the transfer market.
“I look at Antonio Conte, and I haven’t seen his interviews after [Wednesday]’s game, but the last few I’ve seen of him he looks defeated,” O’Hara told talkSPORT.
“He’s not the same on the side as he was when he first came in. He looks like he’s lost the passion a little bit. He’s looking at the side thinking ‘what chance have I got’. He’s having to play Doherty left wing-back again.
“The players we’ve got out there – Emerson Royal we’ve signed him, Bryan Gil we’ve signed him this season, it’s not good enough.
“Daniel Levy, if he doesn’t buy and doesn’t bring in some top quality players then Antonio Conte will walk.
“He will walk, I’m telling you. If Manchester United phoned him tomorrow and said ‘we want you’, he would seriously think about leaving.”
Despite Conte’s name re-entering the conversation over who will be the next United boss, he remains an outsider to step into the hot-seat at Old Trafford.
Mauricio Pochettino remains the favourite, while Erik ten Hag is close behind as United look to make a decision on who will lead them beyond the current season.
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