Tottenham star pushing for January exit after turning nose up at Conte request

Tottenham are likely to part ways with one of their attacking stars during the January transfer window amid claims of a big divide between the player and new manager Antonio Conte.

The Italian manager’s arrival at Spurs has had an immediate uplift. Indeed, Tottenham are now up to fifth after three straight wins in the Premier League. However, there remains serious work ahead to maintain a long-term surge on a squad that has ‘been in decline’ for some time.

Indeed, Conte, along with director Fabio Paratici are working on serious squad improvements. And with the January window approaching, there is talk of  an ‘unprecedented’ spree at the ambitious north London side.

As well as plenty of arrivals, there could also be one or two departures over the upcoming windows. And one man reportedly drawing closer to an exit is winger Steven Bergwijn.

Indeed, reports recently have detailed interest in the player from Ajax. Meanwhile, reports that Conte has ‘given him the cold shoulder’ point further to a parting of ways.

Now reports in Holland claim Ajax are stepping up their bid to land the 24-year-old. They are likely to ask Spurs about a loan deal in January with an option to make the deal permanent in the summer.

Now it’s claimed Bergwijn himself is ready to ask for the move.

The Dutchman is reportedly unhappy with his role in the squad under Conte, with the Evening Standard last week claiming the Italian coach only plans to use Bergwijn as backup to Harry Kane rather than Heung-min Son.

Bergwijn unhappy with role

Knowing that Kane, when fit, is a shoo-in, Bergwijn is thought to feel frustrated by what is likely to be a lack of action.

Now, speaking to Football Insider, pundit Noel Whelan can fully understand why Bergwijn will be unhappy.

“He’s had different managers during his time. There’s not been really any kind of consistency in their line-ups,” Whelan said.

“Harry Kane’s a definite but has had injuries, he has been in and out. Son has had to take over the rein, there’s Lucas Moura in there, Steven Bergwijn. There’s no doubt they’ve got loads of attacking options.

“Just before Conte came in, Bergwijn was brilliant for the national side. Another player there that’s not been at the club long. He’s been in and out the side, needs some consistency and game time.

“If you’re Kane’s understudy, you’re not going to get too much game time, are you? Harry’s going to be the first on the same sheet.

“He can play all across that frontline, in a wide area or a central area. If Conte is giving you the accolade of an understudy, he’s going to have to work very hard to turn that around.”

Conte has ‘only said two words to Steven Bergwijn’

And with the winger struggling to impress at Spurs, journalist Mike Verweij, speaking on De Telegraaf’s podcast, has detailed just how much contempt Conte has for Bergwijn.

“That interest in Bergwijn has been made known. Conte does not see it in him at all. Conte is also the one who opposed Bergwijn’s transfer from PSV to Italy. Inter were an interested club at the time, but Conte did not need him,” he said, via Sport Witness.

“Conte has only said two words to Bergwijn in two weeks at Tottenham Hotspur. That’s why Ajax can consider him, but first Ajax will have to sell [David] Neres.”

Indeed, with finances tight at Ajax, Verweij claims the Dutch giants are already working on a deal to sign Bergwijn on an initial loan.

“That is the reason that Ajax is busy with Brobbey and also fully committed to Steven Bergwijn. This is simply not good enough,” Verweij added.

“I think they only want to loan this season, that applies also for Bergwijn. Ajax had very bad figures last year, also because of Corona.”

READ MORE: Paratici progress on crazy double deal to spice up Spurs attack

The post Tottenham star pushing for January exit after turning nose up at Conte request appeared first on TEAMtalk.