Tottenham sack Nuno Espirito Santo amid Antonio Conte replacement rumours

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the dismissal of manager Nuno Espirito Santo, following a poor run of form that culminated in a 3-0 home loss to Manchester United last weekend.

In an official club statement, the north London club, who have won just five of their ten Premier League matches so far this season, confirmed: "The club can today announce that Nuno Espírito Santo and his coaching staff Ian Cathro, Rui Barbosa and Antonio Dias have been relieved of their duties.”

Managing director Fabio Paratici also made a statement, adding: "I know how much Nuno and his coaching staff wanted to succeed and I regret that we have had to take this decision.

“Nuno is a true gentleman and will always be welcome here. We should like to thank him and his coaching staff and wish them well for the future.”

The ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers manager was a surprise appointment last summer, with his conservative style of footballarguably at odds with the free-flowing play Spurs fans were craving following a dire spell under now-Roma manager Jose Mourinho.

As things stand, former Chelsea and Juventus boss Antonio Conte looks to be the firm favourite to take the reins, despite reportedly turning down the job last summer.

The 52-year-old, who stormed to the Premier League title with the Blues at the first time of asking, took the division by storm as they finished the season seven points clear, having won 30 of their 38 matches.

Tottenham are currently eighth in the league table, with a five-point gap currently separating them for rivals West Ham United, who moved into fourth place with a barnstorming 4-1 away win to Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.