Speaking to talkSPORT, former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara has been left in awe of Antonio Conte amid the Italian's links to the vacant manager's job, but he admitted that he can't see the appointment happening. 

The Lowdown: Conte linked to Spurs

Over this last week, links have emerged with former Chelsea boss Conte as a possible replacement for Jose Mourinho in N17.

Indeed, a report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) even claimed that Tottenham have held 'positive' and 'fruitful' talks with the 51-year-old over taking the reins in north London.

However, the outlet also noted that 'nothing' has been decided yet and both parties will postpone further negotiations for a later date.

The Latest: O'Hara in awe of Conte

Even though he believes an appointment is unrealistic, talkSPORT pundit O'Hara has waxed lyrical over Conte and admits that he would be the 34-year-old's personal preference as Spurs' next manager.

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"I think if Tottenham got Antonio Conte, they’d be able to keep Harry Kane – he’s a brilliant manager,” O'Hara explained to talkSPORT.

"He won the Premier League title with Chelsea and yes he got the sack, but that’s what Chelsea do. It’s their culture. He’s gone to Inter Milan and he’s won the league there, too. He’s a top manager.

"I think we should be going for Antonio Conte or Brendan Rodgers, but Spurs are living in cuckoo land at the moment… we’re pretenders! We haven’t won anything!

"Personally, I would like Antonio Conte, but I can’t see it happening.”

The Verdict: Bang on the money...

We're inclined to agree with O'Hara's verdict that appointing Conte at Tottenham is probably out of chairman Daniel Levy's reach.

On a reported €20m per year (£17.3m) salary at Inter Milan, he could be a costly man to hire, not to mention that the coach with a defence-minded reputation isn't exactly a tailor-made fit with Spurs' desired criteria of an open, attack-minded manager (The Guardian).

Lauded as a 'perfectionist' by Emmanuele Giaccherini (La Gazzetta via Football Italia), Tottenham would still be better off looking elsewhere as the search for Mourinho's successor continues.

In other news: Some Tottenham fans flock to this 'best news', find out more here.