Former Inter Milan boss, Antonio Conte told his friends that he 'loved' the idea of becoming Manchester United manager but could not turn down the Tottenham job because of the Red Devils' faith in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, The Athletic reports.
All is but set for Conte to be announced as the next manager of Tottenham after agreeing to sign an 18-month deal with the north London club.
Before now, the Italian was in the front line to take over from Solskjaer at Manchester United.
But a 3-0 win at Tottenham on Saturday saw Spurs dismissed their manager paving the way for Conte to get a faster job.
And the Athletic reports that Conte's interest in the United job helped the Spurs chairman to act swiftly.
Conte, who has been out of work since leaving Inter Milan last summer, told close friends he wanted the United job but decided to accept Spurs' offer because he felt the Red Devils' faith in Solskjaer was too strong and that they would not sack the Norwegian.
Even the former Chelsea boss never held talks with the Old Trafford landlords he felt he was in with a good chance of replacing Solskjaer following the side's 5-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool.
Conte is expected to take training this afternoon before leading Spurs for the first time in Thursday's clash against Vitesse.
Spurs take on Everton in the Premier League on Sunday, with the Toffees having lost their last three matches.
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