Antonio Conte will be fired by Tottenham this week after chairman Daniel Levy decided the time is now to end his spell in charge, according to fresh reports.

The Italian has been skating on thin ice ever since launching into a ferocious attack on the club, their owners and its players on Saturday. Indeed, Conte let his emotions boil over after witnessing Spurs blow a 3-1 lead at Southampton in a 3-3 draw.

And while Tottenham remain fourth in the Premier League, the dropped points looks likely to be highly damaging in the race for the Champions League. And with both Newcastle and Liverpool breathing down their necks, Conte launched into his astonishing rant.

Many felt that the explosive nature of his attack on the club would leave Levy with no choice but to act. However, the Spurs chairman instead chose to summon Conte to a meeting to explain his comments. And the initial reports suggested that Tottenham were not prepared to make any knee-jerk reactions amids claims Levy was going soft.

But as the hours have ticked by, it seems increasingly likely that the axe will fall on Conte. To that end, a report on Monday claims Levy is consulting with his fellow directors before deciding the best course of action.

The Italian’s deal is due to expire this summer anyway, and there appears no willingness for either party to extend that arrangement.

As such, it has since now looked a question of timing for Spurs. And it seems Levy is debating whether his sacking will hinder or enhance their push to finish fourth.

Furthermore, the removal of Conte now would also reportedly cost Tottenham £5m in compensation.

READ MORE ~ Tottenham manager search: Contact with agents underway as left-field name emerges on Levy wanted list

Conte out, Pochettino in at Tottenham

However, talkSPORT now claims Levy has decided to act this week and will bring the axe down on Conte’s reign this week.

They claim that members of the board feel that his position is now untenable. And that feeling is shared among the players with Conte reportedly ‘unpopular’ with senior members of the dressing room.

And with Conte flying back to Italy on Monday, it’s just a matter of when the axe will fall.

As a result, speculation is already underway as to whom Tottenham will move for next. To that end, speculation has ranged from Ruben Amorim, Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi and even this surprise 57-year-old candidate.

However, the name most commonly mentioned is that of Mauricio Pochettino.

The former Tottenham boss remains out of work having left PSG last summer. He led Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final and remains hugely popular with a core of their players. Furthermore, a large portion of Spurs fans would also welcome the return of the Argentine.

Spurs players behind Pochettino return

Now it seems that the return of Pochettino to Tottenham is beginning to gather serious momentum.

And according to Sky Sports News, members of Tottenham’s playing squad have reached out to Pochettino to discuss his potential return.

They claim the Argentine has already let it be known that he is open to taking charge once again.

Pochettino was reportedly set to assess his options this summer over a return to management.

However, he has now seemingly been convinced to return to work now. And his explosive return will be welcomed by the players, led by Harry Kane. The England skipper has an especially strong relationship with the Argentine.

And together they will hope his return can be the catalyst to qualify again for the Champions League.

READ MORE ~ Mauricio Pochettino: Tottenham return comes with big warning as pros and cons of replacing Conte are debated

The article Antonio Conte sack latest: Axe will fall as Levy decides to act and Tottenham stars ‘pick’ explosive next appointment appeared first on Teamtalk.com.