Conte set to make return to London as Spurs axe Nuno

Former Chelsea manager in talks to replace Portuguese

TOTTENHAM are closing in on the appointment of Antonio Conte as their new manager after sacking Nuno Espirito Santo.

Spurs fired Nuno after just four months yesterday morning following Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester United where the fans turned on him.

They moved quickly to find a successor, renewing interest in former Chelsea boss Conte, who was close to getting the job before Nuno in June.

It is understood the two parties were in advanced discussions last night, with the Italian believed to be in London ahead of a possible announcement.

A deal would see

Conte (right), who has been out of work since leaving Inter Milan at the end of last season, return to the Premier League where he guided Chelsea to the title in 2017, adding an FA Cup the following season.

Conte, who delivered the Scudetto to Inter before departing, had previously been in advanced talks with

Spurs about becoming Jose Mourinho’s successor in June, but they broke down after the two parties were at odds over key issues. However, managing director Fabio Paratici is now in position and has a strong relationship with the 52-yearold, having worked with him at Juventus.

Nuno was relieved of his duties after Levy and Paratici met on Sunday to discuss his future, with the news delivered early yesterday morning. And a statement from Tottenham read: “The club can today announce that Nuno Espirito Santo and his coaching staff Ian Cathro, Rui Barbosa and Antonio Dias have been relieved of their duties.” Paratici said: “I know how much Nuno and his coaching staff wanted to succeed and I regret that we have had to take this decision. Nuno is a true gentleman and will always be welcome here. We should like to thank him and wish them well for the future.” Nuno’s appointment on June 30 ended a 72day managerial search following Mourinho’s sacking six days before the Carabao Cup final.