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‘They want him’: Journalist claims Tottenham man’s in ‘very advanced’ talks

Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images
Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images
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Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images

Fabio Bergomi has told Calciomercato.it that Antonio Conte is in ‘very advanced’ talks over taking charge of Paris Saint-Germain after less than one season with Tottenham Hotspur.

Les Parisiens are determined to move on from Mauricio Pochettino at the end of the term after another underwhelming campaign. While PSG are running away with another Ligue 1 crown, they again stumbled in Europe in their pursuit of a first Champions League triumph.

After taking a comfortable 2-0 aggregate lead over Real Madrid thanks to Kylian Mbappe’s brilliance, Paris Saint-Germain crumbled in Spain. Karim Benzema then struck a 17-minute hat-trick to send Pochettino’s shocked side crashing out in the last 16 of the competition.

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 9: Players of Real Madrid celebrate after Karim Benzema's goal during the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen leg two match between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 09, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Failing to advance past the first knockout round was almost a worst-case scenario for PSG in Europe. Expectations were high of an attack with Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi, yet their wait continues. Now, just winning the Ligue 1 title may not be enough for Pochettino.

However, Paris Saint-Germain face speculated competition for Conte to replace Pochettino from the Tottenham boss’ former side, Inter Milan. Corriere della Sera also suggest Simone Inzaghi could last less than one season at the San Siro if he cannot retain their Serie A title.

And Italian journalist Bergomi hints Conte is a candidate for a shock return after he walked away last year. Inter could look to move on from Inzaghi if they lose to Juventus on Sunday as the defeat may leave the Nerazzurri nine points from leaders AC Milan for the Scudetto.

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte in ‘very advanced’ PSG talks, journalist claims

Bergomi pours cold on the chances Conte leaves Tottenham to return to Inter Milan, but Paris Saint-Germain is more likely. He claims talks are at an advanced stage of taking over the Parc des Princes helm from Pochettino. As PSG must make strides in Europe very soon.

“There will be a transfer market where we will see coaches like Conte go to PSG,” Bergomi said. “I asked immediately after the claims about Inter.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: Antonio Conte, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur gives their team instructions during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 20, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

“I immediately phoned some contacts and one told me that the negotiation is very advanced. They want him, they have chosen his figure because they can’t take it anymore.

“PSG must make quality leaps in Europe and Conte has done badly in the cups? He has always taken teams from the rubble. When Conte arrived [at Inter], he made a final in the Europa League and won the Scudetto.”