CalcioMercato say Diego Simeone is closer than ever to leaving Atletico Madrid after his side were knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday – amid reports Tottenham are considering him as a replacement for Antonio Conte.
Atletico Madrid finished bottom of Group B with just five points from a possible 18. It sees them fail to even qualify for Europa League football after Christmas. In La Liga, Simeone’s side are nine points off the pace, sitting in third place.
It has not been the start Simeone will have hoped from his Atleti side. With a contract until June 2024, Simeone is now in his 12th season at the club as manager – just four games shy of managing a huge 600. Spurs are keeping tabs.
Reports from CMW state that Conte may not sign a new deal. His current contract expires next summer and Spurs have the option to extend it by 12 months. But Tottenham would obviously prefer to hand him a new deal, more long-term.
However, there is interest in Conte and if Spurs fail to give him the cash to spend, he could go. Spurs are planning for this and are looking at Simeone as a possible replacement. Now, CM say Simeone could leave Atletico next summer.
Simeone closer than ever to leaving Atletico amid Tottenham reports
Tottenham will be desperate to keep Conte. Keeping Conte will in-turn, tempt Harry Kane to stay. It will give Spurs a solid foundation to continue their progress under the Italian, towards trophies. A top-four finish looks safe this term.
The feeling in England is that Conte will stay at Tottenham – whether that is penning an extension, or a new deal. Spurs have given him backing so far, but he will want more in January, and next summer. But in Italy, his exit seems likely.
Juventus will be looking to bring him back despite the feeling between Conte and Andrea Agnelli. Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi is under pressure. Elsewhere, there could be other big clubs that require Conte’s managerial talents.
But as things stand, Simeone is only likely to be a name on a list of potential replacements in place – if Conte goes. It all depends on the Italian and what he decides to do. The World Cup break is a poignant time to extend his stay.
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