MARTIN SAMUEL: Even for Daniel Levy, Antonio Conte to Tottenham is a move already fraught with problems… if keeping Harry Kane and improving the squad are non-negotiable, the deal is dead before it has even begun

If Tottenham end up with Antonio Conte as manager and Manchester United stand idle this summer, what does that say about the ambition of the two clubs?

Conte is, without doubt, the managerial catch of the close season. He has delivered the title — five of them, in fact — at each of his last three clubs.

In the circumstances, Tottenham would be very lucky to have him. Manchester United? They should have been first on the telephone.

They can promise Champions League football and a Champions League budget, which Tottenham cannot.