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Arsenal legend Martin Keown has played down talk of Antonio Conte returning to Juventus with his contract at Tottenham running down.
The Italian gaffer is tied down in north London until the end of the season, leading to fear from Spurs supporters that he could soon depart.
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Speaking ahead of the 2-0 defeat against Manchester United, the 53-year-old insisted he is in no rush to discuss his future.
Rumours have circulated that Conte could decide to go back to the Old Lady, who he played for between 1991 and 2004.
He also enjoyed three trophy-laden seasons in charge of the Turin outfit, where he won three consecutive Serie A titles.
Current Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri is under intense pressure with the club eighth in the table and in danger of being knocked out of the Champions League.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Alex Crook revealed that he believes that the former Chelsea gaffer will return to the Allianz Stadium.
He said: “I think there’s every chance that Antonio Conte ends up back at Juventus.”
To which Keown said: “Tottenham went into the game with Manchester United with the same record as Manchester City – seven wins.
“And everyone is saying that Conte has problems.”
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Snapping back, Crook sated: “I’m not saying Conte is going to get fired, I’m saying that I think he will end up back at Juventus.
“He hasn’t committed to a new long-term contract and that is a problem for Tottenham.”
Richard Pelham / The Sun
Keown replied: “Well, not really. That’s just how he operates, he’s always operated in that manner. And he’s a successful man.
“And I actually feel like they might just end up in the top-four.”
Pressed on whether that would be enough for Conte, Keown stated: “I think that would almost be a victory to do it again.”
Crook then argued he would instantly win silverware back at Juve, to lead Keown to say: “There’s a lot of work to do back at Juventus if he goes back there.
“He’s taken half the team to Spurs at the moment anyway!”
Conte has been criticised by fans and pundits this season for his defensive, counter-attacking style of play.
talkSPORT’s Gabriel Agbonlahor recently branded Spurs as ‘flat-track bullies’ having been outplayed by Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United this term.
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