Antonio Conte's decisive role in Erik ten Hag's Man Utd transfer masterplan

Antonio Conte could seek to take advantage of Tottenham's healthy relationship with Valencia by hijacking Manchester United's move for Giorgi Mamardashvili, according to a new report.

Spurs are in the market for new recruits this summer after Conte guided the club to a top-four finish to secure Champions League football next season. The Italian has already wrapped up the signing of Ivan Perisic and is expected to scour the market for more new signings in the coming weeks.

The Londoners - like United - are in the market for a new back-up goalkeeper this summer - and it appears that they could hold the edge over their Premier League rivals in the race for Valencia's shot-stopper, Mamardashvili.

According to Marca, Tottenham have joined the race for the Georgian goalkeeper, who had already been identified by Erik ten Hag as the perfect understudy to David de Gea. Valencia desperately need to raise funds this summer, so would be open to facilitating a deal for Mamardashvili - but Tottenham are hoping their decision to send Bryan Gil to the Mestalla on loan for the second half of the season will give them the edge over their Premier League rivals.

Mamardashvili only joined Valencia on loan 12 months ago, but the 21-year-old made enough of an impression to convince the Spanish outfit to acquire the shot-stopper on a permanent basis by triggering his buyout clause. But the Spanish outfit - who need to raise €70million (£59.5m) this summer to balance the books - could be about to turn a quick profit on the goalkeeper.

The emergence of Tottenham and Conte could pose a major problem for Ten Hag in his bid to bring Mamardashvili to Old Trafford. The Londoners have the lure of Champions League football and could nudge ahead