After hours of speculation following the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo, Tottenham Hotspur are set to sign Antonio Conte as their new boss, according to reports coming out of Britain and Italy. The Portuguese manager was shown the exit door on Monday after less than five months in charge of the North London club. 

Conte would be Spurs’ fourth permanent manager in three seasons, since sacking Mauricio Pochettino in November 2019, football journalist Fabrizio Romano reported late on Monday. The club is reportedly set to announce the arrival of the Italian on Tuesday.

“The contract until June 2023 will be signed on Tuesday. The verbal agreement is now completed,” Romano tweeted on his official handle. Sky Sports Italia too confirmed the reports of Conte’s signing earlier in the day.

A week ago the former Chelsea boss was touted to make a return back to the Premier League after reports suggested Manchester United were interested in the Italian. However, Spurs have swooped in and finally landed their long-time target. 

Also Read | Laliga: Barca striker Aguero forced off with apparent breathing issues

Tottenham’s Managing Director of football Fabio Paratici wanted to sign Conte since June, however, at the time Conte had refused the advances. Although it took Paratici five-long months and a failed managerial stint from Nuno, finally signing the serial winner could be seen as a massive boost for Spurs.

Currently, Spurs are ninth in the Premier League table, ten points off leaders Chelsea, after five wins and as many losses from 10 games this season. Although throughout the years, Spurs have heavily focused on playing attacking football, the signing of Conte would almost instantaneously ensure a level of stability to their defence.

Over the years, Conte has preferred to stick to the 3-5-2 formation and in Spurs that could open the gate for a frontline duo of Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son, which could be as effective as it was under Jose Mourinho. Next up, Spurs face Vitesse in the UEFA Europa Conference League midweek and then a struggling Everton side in the weekend in the Premier League.