TOTTENHAM boss Antonio Conte is being lined up for a sensational return to Italy, it’s been claimed.
The 53-year-old will return to the touchline on Wednesday night for the first time since undergoing gallbladder surgery in February.
ALAMYAntonio Conte’s Tottenham future is currently up in the air[/caption]
The Italian has one year left on his contract with Spurs and has been linked with a move back to his homelandREX
ReutersConte will return to the touchline on Wednesday after recovering form gallbladder surgery[/caption]
Conte will look to guide his troops to a comeback victory over AC Milan, who turned them over in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the San Siro on Valentine’s Day.
But according to reports, he could return to the stadium next season as manager of one of Serie A’s big boys.
That’s according to The Times, who claim Conte’s recent stay in his homeland recovering from surgery has “strengthened his desire” to return.
Both Inter Milan and Juventus are said to be keen on acquiring his services.
It’s claimed Conte’s return to Italy could hinge on Spurs being dumped out of Europe’s elite club competition.
It’s said an exit at the last-16 stage could “hasten” Conte’s departure from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The former Chelsea and Inter boss has a year left on his contract with the north Londoners and has mulled over leaving them for pastures new.
It’s understood, however, that he’ll see out the remainder of his deal if he’s “happy” come the end of the season.
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But former Rangers hitman Ally McCoist reckons that both the Italian and striker Harry Kane will leave Spurs at the end of the season.
The talkSPORT pundit said: “Right now, and it’s guesswork from me.
“I think they’ll [Tottenham] be looking for a new manager a new centre-forward.
“If I’m putting myself in Harry Kane’s shoes right now – and this will really finish the Spurs fans off this morning.
“I’m probably thinking about going to the team [Manchester United] that got beat 7-0 yesterday [Sunday].”