Report: Conte expected to return to Italy and wants to take Spurs midfielder with him
According to CalcioMercatoWeb, Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte will return to Juventus at the end of the season and will look to take Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg with him.
Speculation is mounting that Conte will not extend his stay with Tottenham beyond the current campaign. The Italian’s current contract ends this summer, and while negotiations for a long-term deal have been mooted, there has been little progress.
The Evening Standard reported yesterday that Conte would agree to a new deal, if he gets a significant pay rise. Spurs can trigger a one-year extension on Conte’s current terms, but the report adds the club may decide against this if results don’t improve.
Should Conte depart in the summer, it seems the most likely destination would be a return to Italy, or more specifically, to Juventus. Conte has spoken recently of how difficult this season has been for him and admitted he is thinking about his future (Football.London).
The latest from CMW suggests Conte will indeed return to Juventus to succeed current boss Massimiliano Allegri, and if that does happen, the 53-year-old could try and bring Danish midfielder Hojbjerg with him.
The report posits Hojbjerg would be Conte’s ideal replacement for Adrien Rabiot, who is looking increasingly likely to depart the Serie A side as it emerged he “will not renew” with Juventus beyond the end of the season.
With this in mind, it is believed Conte will look to persuade Hojbjerg to join the “black and white relaunch alongside him.” The combative 27-year-old has five goals and four assists to his name this season (Transfermarkt) and is highly regarded by Conte at Spurs.
It remains to be seen whether Juventus’ capital gains trial and subsequent 15-point deduction will influence Conte’s possible return (Gianluca Di Marzio).
Spurs Web Opinion
I would be very disappointed to see Hojbjerg leave Spurs. I know there are those in the fanbase who do not rate him, but I really think he’s an important player for us. His work rate, leadership qualities, and the way he’s added more attacking returns to his game are all very impressive and he’s the kind of player we need at the club.
Have something to tell us about this article?
The post Report: Conte expected to return to Italy and wants to take Spurs midfielder with him appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.