STEVE COOPER “has admirers” within Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports – with Antonio Conte looking likely to leave in the summer.
The Italian, 53, is set to be out of contract at the end of the season.
Spurs possess an option to extend the deal by 12 months but, according to reports, aren’t currently expected to do so.
Conte penned an 18 month deal at Tottenham in November 2021 and there was optimism that the two parties would come to an extension agreement earlier this season.
But the “appetite” to do so has waned on both sides, with a belief growing that the former Chelsea manager will not be at Spurs next season.
According to the Mail, Mauricio Pochettino is a key contender to replace Conte, returning to the club he was brutally sacked by in November 2019.
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The affable Argentine still spends a large amount of time at his North London home – and remains close with chairman Daniel Levy.
Some within Spurs, however, are not convinced that they should go back for Pochettino at this stage.
And Cooper is believed to be “admired” in N17 – despite possessing just 25 matches of top-flight managerial experience.
The 43-year-old transformed Nottingham Forest last season, inspiring their promotion to the Premier League.
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He has since had to manage a bloated squad following a huge turnover of players – but has his side competitive in 14th place in the table.
Cooper signed a new three-year contract at the City Ground in October.
Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner, who inspired the German side to Europa League glory last season, could also be an option for Spurs.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
