Dilemma for Spurs as key man stalls over new deal

Tottenham Hotspur are now enjoying their best ever start to a Premier League season following victory over Everton on Saturday. 

Antonio Conte’s side have picked up 23 points from their first ten league matches – their highest ever tally at this stage – and currently occupy third place in the table.

Harry Kane and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg gave Spurs victory over The Toffees on Saturday, with the former netting on his 400th appearance for the club.

The England captain has scored 258 goals in that time, and his tally of nine Premier League goals this term is bettered only by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

Despite his good form, Kane is apparently stalling over a new contract with The Lilywhites.

As reported by Football Insider, the player is reluctant to enter into negotiations over a new deal until the future of manager Conte has been decided.

The Italian’s deal is set to expire at the end of the current season and, while Spurs are keen to extend his stay in the capital, he is yet to agree a new deal.

Kane has a combined 319 goals and assists in 400 games for Spurs

That has left Kane in a difficult situation, as he is reluctant to commit his own future to the club with Conte’s still undecided.

Spurs are reportedly keen to enter into negotiations with the striker, who is under contract at the club until the summer of 2024, but the player himself is currently refraining from doing so.

The news comes not long after the same outlet reported that Conte had been offered a staggering £400,000-per-week to stay put in London.

Former Chelsea boss Conte took charge of Spurs in November last year, following the sacking of Nuno Esperito Santo, and guided the club to a place in the Champions League, leapfrogging rivals Arsenal into fourth spot last term.

The Italian isn’t known for staying around though, having spent two years or less in eight of the nine managerial positions he has held, including the Italy national side and Inter Milan.

Kane, who will turn 30 next summer, was heavily linked with a move to Premier League champions Manchester City last summer, but ultimately stayed put.

If he were to commit to a new long-term deal with Spurs, he may not get the opportunity to secure a move away from the club.