Ally McCoist has tipped Antonio Conte to leave Tottenham for Manchester United this summer. The Scotland and Rangers legend believes Conte may jump ship at Spurs due to a lack of transfer funds available, with the Red Devils boasting a huge chequebook.
The Italian was linked with the United job last year before the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. By the time United dismissed the Norwegian in November, Tottenham had already appointed long-term target Conte to succeede Nuno Espirito Santo.
Conte is viewed as an elite manager by many for his work at Juventus, Italy, Chelsea and Inter Milan. He's won four Serie A titles, the Premier League, FA Cup and other honours during his coaching career. Conte has 15 months remaining on his existing Spurs deal.
United are still on the hunt for their next permanent manager. Ralf Rangnick succeeded Solskjaer as interim boss but is set to start a two-year consultancy gig at the club in the summer. Ajax manager Erik ten Hag was recently interviewed for the job.
Many questioned Conte's decision to accept the Tottenham job due to the club's stringent budget. The experienced coach is known for spending cash in the transfer market and Spurs require a re-build if they are to compete for trophies next season.
And, if Conte isn't backed in the transfer market, McCoist believes he may move to Manchester. "I think United missed the boat by not appointing Conte at the end of last year, and in normal circumstances you would think that ship had sailed," he told FourFourTwo.
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"However, nothing surprises you in football. You hear the rumours that Mauricio Pochettino wants to go back to Spurs, and doesn’t fancy United, so I wouldn’t rule out Conte going to United. The one thing Conte wants is financial backing, and I am not sure he is happy with what he is getting at Spurs.
"He has done a few strange interviews, and made a few comments that would indicate that is the case. United have great players, but they are not a great team, and I think Conte could help mould them into that. It is a time for real change."
As McCoist referred to, Conte has made some interesting comments about his Tottenham future. Speaking last month - shortly after Spurs suffered their fourth loss in five games - the Italian questioned whether his methods were working.
"I have to talk to the club I am too honest to close my eyes and continue in this way, and also take my salary," Conte told reporters. "I want to take my responsibility. I am open for every decision because I want to help Tottenham.
"Four defeats in the last five games, this is the first time in my life this type of situation has happened. This is unacceptable. I came in to try and improve the situation with Tottenham but maybe in this moment, I am not so good to improve it.
"I'm trying to do everything to change the situation... maybe there is something wrong. I'm too honest to close my eyes and to continue to say, 'OK I want to finish the season in this way and OK my salary is good'. I want to make an assessment with the club."
