Tottenham and Antonio Conte are ready to bid one another farewell at the end of the season with neither party looking to extend his stay, according to a trusted source.

The Italian took control at Spurs in November 2021 and has overseen positive progression during his time at the helm. However, Conte has never been that popular among the fans, nor especially the players. And with his 18-month deal due to expire this summer, a parting of ways is on the cards.

Conte has dropped many a hint during his time in charge that the end might be in sight. Indeed, as recently as January, the Italian dropped a “I have to go” revelation into one of his post-match interviews.

However, there have been multiple signs along the way during his time in charge. Indeed, Conte insisted earlier this season that Tottenham have to spend big just to keep afloat in the top four, let alone catch those at the top of the table.

Still, there is little arguing about his results. He steers Spurs into the top four last season, usurping north London rivals Arsenal to the spot.

And they remain on track to repeat the fate this season. They currently sit fourth, holding a three-point buffer on Liverpool in fifth.

However, fans remain unhappy at the direction the club is going in. And while the club have refused to comment publicly on Conte’s future, it seems a parting of ways now looks inevitable.

And reports of discontent behind the scenes appeared to grow larger last week.

READ MORE: Antonio Conte sack talk takes massive leap forward as report reveals Tottenham rage and shock new name becomes serious contender

Conte ready to leave Tottenham

That’s after a damaging report emered claiming the club were fuming at Conte’s team selection, with Harry Kane rested, as they crashed out of the FA Cup.

Having not won a trophy since 2008, the club feels the defeat at Sheffield United was a major opportunity missed.

Conte will return to the Tottenham dugout on Wednesday night in their Champions League tie with AC Milan.

Resuming media duties from Tuesday to preview the game, he has missed the last seven games while recoverin from gallbladder surgery.

That spell of illness means Conte has been spared being asked about his future; a common occurence at most of his press conferences.

However, those questions are set to get even more acute in the wake of a big claim from The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke.

Claiming ‘neither sides wants a new deal’ and despite intially holding talks over an extension during the World Cup break, they are now ‘unlikely to be revived’.

As a result, he claims that the ‘Conte era is coming to an end’.

And while he says there is an option in the contract for another year, he claims ‘Tottenham have no intention of keeping Conte against his will’.

In addition, he claims there is ‘a broad sense among the players that he is off at the end of the season’.

Pochettino leads the way for Tottenham

However, he says that while Tottenham are beginning to think about their next manager, he claims succesion planning will not begin until the final game of the season.

He writes: ‘We do not know what the post-Conte era will look like. There is so much uncertainty – about who will be making the big decisions at the club, about which European competition Spurs will play in next season, about the futures of key players. Almost everything at Tottenham Hotspur is up in the air, and nothing is nailed down. Spurs fans will be familiar with the feeling.’

With Spurs heading into unfamiliar territory, it’s little wonder that The Athletic suggest former boss Mauricio Pochettino leads the way.

Acknowledging that he remains a fans’ favourite, he suggests Daniel Levy could turn to the Argentine again in an effort to win back popularity among fans.

Claiming the choice is not just ‘pure nostalgia’, Levy wants to see Spurs return to the high-tempo football which epitomised his era.

And with the Argenine still based in north London, it would certainly be an easy appointment for Tottenham to make.

However, he claims the Real Madrid questions still poses an issue for Spurs and Pochettino.

The Argentine was persistently linked with the Spanish giants during his time at Tottenham. And while Carlo Ancelotti is currently happy at the helm, there’s suggestions he may leave the summer after next. That could then see their focus shifted back towards Pochettino.

Tuchel also an option for Spurs

To counter that, Pitt-Brooke claims the other name in the frame is former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel. Boasting a stellar CV, he has been out of work since leaving Stamford Bridge six months ago.

And Pitt-Brooke claims Tuchel appeals to Levy for several reasons. Citing his experience coaching big-name players, a commitment to modern methods and a proactive playing, he claims the German very much appeals to the club.

Furthermore, his knowledge of the Premier League and perfect English means he too would be a solid appointment.

As it stands, Spurs’ focus will be on Wednesday’s clash with AC Milan. They trail 1-0 from the first leg but still hope to reach the last eight.

Exit from the competition would leave just their 12 Premier League games to play for. And they may prove the last of the Conte era.

READ MORE: Tottenham trying to deprive Mourinho with summer transfer for Roma star who’d fit their system

The article Antonio Conte future: Major Tottenham exit bombshell revealed as trusted source reveals two names in frame for job appeared first on Teamtalk.com.