Tottenham’s Daniel Levy ‘discussed signing Cristiano Ronaldo’

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy held a brief discussion with Antonio Conte over a potential move for Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this season prior to the Italian manager’s dismissal, according to reports. Conte left Spurs by mutual consent during last month’s international break following a poor run of results just weeks before the expiry of his contract, which was poised to run down at the end of the season.

Conte often vented his frustrations about Tottenham’s player recruitment during his time in charge of the north Londoners and was reportedly quick to reject the notion of a move for Ronaldo last year when presented with the idea by Levy. A brief conversation was held in the canteen at Hotspur Way to discuss the possibility of signing the former United ace, according to the Daily Mail, although he was not pursued by Tottenham before his eventual move to Saudi club Al-Nassr.

Spurs were one of several clubs to have been linked with Ronaldo’s services during the latter stages of his time at Old Trafford, which came to an end in December when his contract was terminated in the wake of his controversial tell-all interview with Piers Morgan. It is said that Levy spoke about Ronaldo with Conte but it was quickly decided that such a move should be avoided in order to press ahead with the club’s efforts to sign other targets.

It is unclear where Ronaldo would have fitted in at Tottenham, with the Portuguese forward having developed into a central striker during the latter stages of his career rather than the flying winger he once was. He would have been unlikely to dislodge Harry Kane as Tottenham’s first-choice marksman in the event of a move to the capital, while he would have almost certainly demanded a wage packet to make him the club’s highest earner in spite of his position as a starter not being guaranteed.

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Ronaldo went on to accept a record-breaking salary at Al-Nassr, where he has scored nine goals in just eight league appearances as he bids to lead his new team to domestic glory in the Saudi Pro League at the end of his debut campaign. Conte, meanwhile, ended up welcoming Arnaut Danjuma and Pedro Porro to his squad in January before his eventual departure just two months later.

Cristian Stellini will take charge of Tottenham on an interim basis until the end of the season, at which point a permanent manager is expected to be appointed in advance of the summer transfer window. The likes of Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique have been mentioned in connection with the role in recent weeks but Levy has been urged by former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino to take a major gamble by poaching Vincent Kompany from Championship high-flyers Burnley.

“In the past Tottenham have just made an obvious choice, picking managers with the best CVs, but it’s time for them to be brave, especially as Harry Kane may well depart, which would create a completely new dynamic at the club,” said Cascarino.

“I think Vincent Kompany would be an excellent appointment after his miraculous feats at Burnley this season. He’s had little money but transformed them, adopting a new playing style.”

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