MAURICIO POCHETTINO remains a top target for Real Madrid as the La Liga giants consider Zinedine Zidane's future.
The Frenchman eased the pressure tap on his second stint at the Bernabeu with a win over Sevilla at the weekend but big concerns remain over his management.
And, should Real dispense with Zidane, the Mirror claim Pochettino is their No1 preference to replace him.
Although he is on a five-year, £8.5million contract in North London, the former defender has hardly cut the most joyous figure in recent months.
The Champions League final saw him publicly question his own commitment to thrifty Spurs and he insinuated victory over Liverpool may have led to him calling it a day.
Results in 2019/20 won't have improved his mood much either with important leads against Arsenal, Olympiacos and Leicester surrendered in recent weeks.
In fact, when questioned about whether he will ever take over Real while attending Monday night's The Best FIFA Awards, Poch replied: "Maybe some year."
Madrid club president Florentino Perez is described as a big admirer of the Argentine and his connection to Barcelona's local rivals Espanyol may sweeten the deal with the fans.
The recent 1-0 win over Sevilla sent Los Blancos back towards the top of La Liga after only winning one of their opening three games.
Zidane's legacy at the club predominantly survives off his Champions League success though and the opening matchday defeat to Paris Saint-Germain set alarm bells ringing in the Spanish capital.
Les Parisiens ran out 3-0 winners at Parc des Princes as Real put in a severely lacklustre display on their first European outing since falling to a shock last-16 exit at the hands of Ajax last season.
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