Antonio Conte could still become Tottenham Hotspur's next manager in a surprise twist, according to one journalist...

What's the word?

The 51-year-old looked set to take over the vacant role last week, with The Guardian suggesting that there was confidence in the Spurs camp that he would be hired following positive talks.

However, things quickly broke down and it was claimed that the north London outfit abandoned their pursuit of the former Chelsea coach over concerns from both parties about him replacing Jose Mourinho.

Matt Law at The Telegraph believes that Conte stalled over his fear that Spurs could not match his ambition, whilst Daniel Levy and the club's hierarchy had doubts over whether or not the Italian would commit to the development of their youth prospects.

In a new turn of events, Italian journalist and ESPN's senior writer Gabriele Marcotti has now suggested that the saga may not be over yet. Speaking on ESPN FC, he said: "I wouldn’t even necessarily take it as a given that this is done with.

"My understanding is that talks have stalled and Spurs are looking elsewhere but we’ve seen this negotiating ploy before, hoping one side or the other blinks and we could be headed in that direction."

There's still hope, yet...

Spurs' managerial search has entered its eighth week and it seems that they are no closer to finding a solution - a worrying prospect considering that some reports suggested Levy wanted a new man in place before the European Championship, which starts on Friday.

This latest claim from Marcotti adds another layer of uncertainty over the situation but the news will undoubtedly come as a source of excitement for many supporters as much of the Lilywhites faithful were keen to see Conte appointed.

As relayed by This is Futbol, some fans were begging the club to hire the ex-Blues man. For example, one claimed it was the "best possible appointment," whilst another suggested he was "what every Spurs fan should want."

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Further fuel is added to the fire by reports that the north Londoners are closing in on Conte's former right-hand man Fabio Paratici, who is set to become their next sporting director.

The pair won three Serie A titles and two domestic cups during their time together at Juventus, and whilst it remains to be seen whether it would help Spurs' pursuit of the 51-year-old, it certainly shouldn't hinder it.

Considering some of the other names mooted for the vacancy, including Everton flop Roberto Martinez, relegated Fulham boss Scott Parker and Brighton's Graham Potter, it's no wonder so many wanted Conte appointed.

He is a nine-time major trophy winner who recently secured Inter Milan their first league title in 11 years, whilst he has also been likened to Sir Alex Ferguson in the past.

Dubbed a "tactical master" by Pep Guardiola, there aren't many better candidates out there than the tough-natured Italian, so this latest suggestion from Marcotti should come as exciting news to many Spurs fans, as evident above.

AND in other news, Levy could land Spurs their own Silva in 6 ft 3 "leader" dubbed "amazing" by Mourinho...