Tottenham Hotspur are currently facing a potential nightmare scenario, amid reports that manager Antonio Conte could be set for a departure next summer.

What's the word?

According to journalist Paolo Bargiggia, the 53-year-old is unlikely to extend his current deal with the north London outfit, with the former Chelsea boss seemingly hoping for a return to Juventus should Massimiliano Allegri be axed at the end of the season.

Writing on Twitter about the situation, he revealed:

"If the management @juventusfc manages to resist the temptation to kick Allegri out by keeping him until the end of the season, then he can go straight to Conte who can't wait to return and for this reason he is not renewing with the British."

The serial-winning coach's existing contract with the Lilywhites runs until June 2023, having only replaced Nuno Espirito Santo in the dugout in November last year.

Massive blow

That news will no doubt come as a concern to both supporters and owner Daniel Levy, with it likely to be a massive blow if Spurs are to lose the Italian genius so soon into his tenure with the Premier League outfit.

Following the doom and gloom that engulfed the club at the end of Santo's brief reign, Conte's arrival midway through last season helped to spark a real revival for the club, culminating in a much coveted top-four finish.

That impressive form has continued into the new campaign with Tottenham currently unbeaten in the top flight after picking up four wins and two draws to date, with a rare low point being the recent Champions League defeat to Sporting CP.

It would no doubt be hugely destabilising for Levy and co were the current boss to walk away any time soon, particularly after a hefty summer of investment that saw eight new arrivals head through the door to help bolster Conte's squad.

Perhaps the warning signs have already been there, however, regarding a possible exit for the form Inter Milan head coach, with the demanding ace having only recently outlined his frustration despite that extensive recruitment drive, after laying out the need for further incomings.

With it yet to be seen if Spurs can end their lengthy barren run with regards to silverware, Conte may well be considering a return to a club where he enjoyed notable success in the past, having won three league titles during his previous stint in Turin.

With the aforementioned Allegri currently under scrutiny after a dismal start to the new campaign at the Allianz Stadium - having won just one of their last seven games across all fronts - it would be no real surprise if the Serie A side were keen to prise their former coach from N17.

Losing such an astute tactician and charismatic figure would certainly be a major setback as far as Spurs are concerned.