Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was eager for former manager Antonio Conte to stay, it has been revealed.
Conte left last month by mutual consent after a furious public attack on his players and Tottenham's culture.
The Sun says while Levy was prepared for Conte to leave at the end of the season following the expiry of his contract, he wasn't ready for the Italian to make a sudden exit.
The chairman was well aware of how the season could collapse without Conte in charge.
Tottenham's top four hopes are fast vanishing and after Sunday's 6-1 thrashing at Newcastle, Levy sacked caretaker manager Cristian Stellini.
Ryan Mason is now in charge to the end of the season.
