Odds slashed on Pochettino to take Real Madrid job

Mauricio Pochettino could be set to take over the vacant Real Madrid job after Julen Lopetegui's sensational sacking. Lopetegui has seen Real embark on their worst run of early season form since 2001 and paid a heavy price for his dismal start as the club's manager.

Pochettino, who has been linked with Real Madrid several times in the past, has been linked with a move to Spain as an eventual long-term coach.

The Argentine has helped guide Tottenham to three impressive Premier League finishes but this season has seen the club struggle, including a 1-0 defeat to Man City in the Premier League last night.

Pochettino spent most of his career playing in the Spanish leagues and is known to prefer a move back to La Liga once his spell with Spurs eventually ends.

Arsene Wenger is also rumoured to be an option for Real Madrid, who have prepared a shortlist of five candidates that might be potential options to take the vacant job. According to reports, Pochettino has informed his agent that he wants to stay with Tottenham for the time being, but odds on the Argentine eventually making a move to the Bernabeu have been slashed.