After Nuno's disappointing tenure ended, Spurs appointed Conte as their new manager earlier this season. The Italian's mission is to return the club to the Champions League, and in order to do that, he needs to achieve his own unique tactical style. As his appointment comes in the middle of the season, his new system has yet to show any signs of reversing the team's decline. Tottenham is likely to be active in the transfer window as Conte wants to bring in some stars who fit his system, but that could mean some of the players now have to leave. Here are five Tottenham players who could move in January.
Ali
Ali's slump at Tottenham has been going on for some time now, with the former England international seemingly inevitable at some point. In the final months of Pochettino's tenure, his form began to decline, and things got worse under Mourinho and Nuno. Scenes of Mourinho criticizing Ali during training even appeared in an Amazon documentary in Tottenham. Conte will not accept any player who pays less than 100% for the team, so travelling to Newcastle or Everton is Alli's best option.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane has been known to have asked to leave Tottenham this summer after being frustrated by the club's lack of progress in recent seasons. The England international has close ties to both Manchester City and Manchester United, with City reportedly bidding £140 million for the England international. Tottenham rejected the offers, but that doesn't mean City won't try to step up their attack in the Premier League and Champions League with another sizable offer. It's an unlikely deal to close, but it will give Conte enough money to spend.
Belwyn
Since moving from PSV for £27m two seasons ago, Belwyn has had no lasting impact on the Premier League. He has the speed and ability to carry the ball to hurt opponents and enjoyed a wonderful debut, he was named the best player against Manchester City, but his form and health put him on the edge of the starting line-up. In 42 Premier League games, he scored just four goals and collected five assists. Ajax is reportedly interested in bringing Berwyn back to the Netherlands, but for now it could be a loan deal that only stays on the upfront stage.
Ndombele
When Conte was appointed head coach of Tottenham, one player who might be worried about his future was Ndombele. The former Lyon midfielder has been accused of not working hard enough in training or in games, and his laid-back style is often criticised. The intensity of Conte's coaching will never be right for Ndombele unless he completely changes his professional attitude. In fact, the Italian has already said Ndombele needs to improve as a team player, so if a good bid comes, Spurs may be tempted to sell it. Juventus was already associated with him.
Brian Hill
When young winger Brian Hill completed his transfer from Sevilla for £22m, high hopes were high for him and as part of the deal, Lamela travelled to La Liga. He has shown his mercurial talent in Spain, but so far he has not established himself in England. Instead of diminishing expectations for Hill, Tottenham is trying to put him on loan elsewhere until the end of the season to help him develop, with a return to La Liga looking like the most likely destination. After all, he hasn't started once in the Premier League so far.