According to a report by Sky Sport Italia, the first contacts between Tottenham Hotspur and former Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte have 'already been started'.

The Lowdown: Conte quits Inter...

The Nerazzurri and Conte decided to part ways earlier this week in what was a seismic update. Despite the 51-year-old guiding Inter to their first Serie A title in 11 years, there was an alleged disagreement over how the club should move forward this summer.

Due to financial problems, Inter want to raise €80m (£68.7m) in profits through player sales, while Conte was reportedly adamant that he wanted new signings and a 'clear project to win again' (Fabrizio Romano).

The Latest: Tottenham on the prowl?

Sky Sport Italia have now revealed that Spurs have made first contact with Conte over the managerial vacancy in north London alongside La Liga giants Real Madrid, with their former manager Zinedine Zidane resigning on Wednesday.

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Indeed, despite heavy links with Paris-Saint Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino, Spurs are apparently in the race for Conte and weighing his possible appointment. Former Real Madrid managerial target Massimiliano Allegri rejected their advances and instead chose a return to Juventus, with Los Blancos president Florentino Perez now 'on the trail' of Conte.

They face competition from the Lilywhites with Tottenham contact already made, but this report claims that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is also 'considering' a reunion for Pochettino.

The Verdict: Mighty alternative..

While Spurs' priority should perhaps be Pochettino's sensational return to north London, Conte certainly comes as a mighty alternative. His collection of silverware is impressive, having clinched four Serie A titles, two Italian Super Cups, a Premier League crown and an FA Cup winner's medal (Transfermarkt).

Now that he has parted company with Inter, Levy also won't have to worry about paying big compensation money to prise the 51-year-old away from Milan.

Lauded as a 'top class manager' by Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold, the prospect of Conte as a Pochettino alternative should excite Spurs supporters given that the ex-Chelsea boss is now more than attainable than ever.

In other news: 'Another source just now saying'...Sky Sports reporter drops Pochettino claim for Spurs, find out more here.