Antonio Conte reveals Tottenham have opened contract talks with captain Hugo Lloris

Antonio Conte is "very optimistic" Hugo Lloris will sign a contract extension with Tottenham, and believes talks with the club are already under way.

Spurs captain Lloris, 35, is out of contract at the end of the season and was able to discuss a free transfer with overseas clubs from January 1.

"I think that they have started to talk," Conte said ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final meeting Chelsea.

"You know very well what I think about Hugo.

“He’s our captain, he is a top goalkeeper for us, he has great experience. He knows very well Tottenham. He loves this shirt and this badge.

“For me he is an important player and I’m sure that they are going to find a solution for him to continue to play with Tottenham.

"I am not the person that speaks to renew the contract with the players. There is the club and the people that do this. But for sure I am very confident about this situation to be positive."