Tottenham: Daniel Levy is prepared to SACK Antonio Conte during the international break

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is prepared to sack Antonio Conte following the Italian’s incredible verbal attack on his players.

Conte has returned to Italy as Levy gives serious consideration to dismissing the Spurs boss following his shocking tirade in the aftermath of Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Southampton.

The Italian gave his players and staff two days off after the demoralising result at St Mary’s, during which the team conceded two late goals to let slip a commanding 3-1 lead.

The head coach has used the opportunity to return to Italy in order to spend time with his family, but his trip comes at time when he is in serious danger of losing his job.

The Italian laid into his players during a series of explosive post-match interviews in which he questioned their desire and attitude.

Antonio Conte (L) is in danger of being sacked as Spurs boss by chairman Daniel Levy (R)

The Italian embarked on a sensational rant after the team’s 3-3 draw at Southampton, where he lambasted the players’ attitudes and took aim at the club

Conte clarified during talks on Saturday night that his comments were solely directed at the players not members of the board.

Nevertheless, his scathing remarks have amplified already significant concerns among the hierarchy about disharmony between the squad and their manager.

Indeed, Levy is said to now be ready to terminate Conte’s contract during the international break. Conte, whose contract expires in the summer, was expected to leave regardless of how the team finish the campaign.

Qualifying for next season’s Champions League is the club’s only target and Levy, originally, did not want to make a decision that may detrimentally impact their chances of a top four finish.

But there are palpable concerns behind the scenes now that Conte’s presence is negatively affecting morale amongst the squad, an issue that the board are aware of.

Spurs have suffered sketchy form under Conte and could miss out on a top four finish 

There is a feeling that Conte’s  presence is negatively affecting morale amongst the squad

After the recent feeble Champions League exit to AC Milan, the feeling transmitting from well-placed sources was that the club was committed to continuing with Conte until the end of the season.

However, the sense emanating since his explosive blast is that the situation is no longer so definitive.

Former player Ryan Mason, who is currently part of Conte’s backroom team, would be a candidate to replace Conte on a short term basis if Levy decides to act.

Mason has major respect inside the club and has taken charge of the team before after the sacking of Jose Mourinho in 2020.

Tottenham’s non-international players are due back at the club’s Enfield training facility on Tuesday for the first time since the explosive outburst, but there is now a sizeable chance that he will not coach the squad again.