‘It’s over’ – Sources: Tottenham discuss appointing Ryan Mason as interim manager

Antonio Conte’s reign as Tottenham manager is coming to an end – and that was the case even before his astonishing attack on the club and players on Saturday evening, sources have told Football Insider.

Spurs have been assessing managerial alternatives to the combustible Italian for some time and it has long been expected from those at the club that he was going at the end of the season.

Conte made it clear by torching the players under his command that he is comfortable with his departure being brought forward by two months.

The Daniel Levy-led Spurs board are now discussing whether to end Conte’s reign during the international break that begins this week or put the club’s hopes of a top-four finish in the hands of a man who has just slaughtered the players as “selfish” and who only want to play “for themselves”.

One well-placed source told Football Insider on Sunday that “it’s over” for Conte at Spurs and “there’s surely no way he can survive this”.

But there could yet be a stay of execution if appointing a new manager with 10 matches remaining could even further detail top-four hopes, as well as having to pay off someone who has just set ablaze to the club and many of those he works with every day.

One option for Tottenham that has been discussed internally is handing the reins to coach Ryan Mason, 31, on an interim basis for the rest of the campaign.

He is close to Harry Kane, is respected in the dressing room and has long been regarded by the club as a future Spurs manager.

Tottenham now have a 15-day gap between matches as senior club chiefs plot their next move, and whether to keep hold of Conte.

In terms of alternatives, former boss Mauricio Pochettino is a leading contender for a second spell at the club and is believed to be keen on a return.

Thomas Tuchel has also been linked but he would only be interested if the club are competing in next season’s Champions League.

Football Insider revealed last month that the Londoners are also monitoring Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi as they assess potential replacements.

In other news, Tottenham set sights on signing Premier League star with talks ongoing.

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