Duncan Castles has claimed on the Transfer Window Podcast that Mauricio Pochettino would have snubbed Tottenham Hotspur for Real Madrid.
The well-known and well-respected journalist has said that Pochettino was talking to both Tottenham and Madrid before Paris Saint-Germain decided to extend his contract.
The PSG manager would have picked Madrid over his former club Spurs, according to the journalist.
What’s been said?
Castles said on the Transfer Window Podcast: “They also talked to Mauricio Pochettino because of his unhappiness at PSG. They tried to convince him to come back, and Pochettino encouraged them in that, although simultaneously he was also talking to Real Madrid and telling Real Madrid he wanted to come there.
“I understand he would have chosen Real Madrid over Tottenham if he had been offered both jobs and if PSG hadn’t stepped in to extend his contract and make him too expensive for the two clubs.”
Mauricio Pochettino rumours
Tottenham were looking at re-hiring Pochettino.
Spanish giants Madrid wanted the Argentine as well, before they got Carlo Ancelotti back from Everton.
The Sun reported late last month that Tottenham wanted to start official talks with PSG.
Pochettino himself was reported to be keen on a return to the North London club.
Madrid also wanted the former Southampton boss, according to The London Evening Standard last month.
PSG stay
Madrid have a new manager, while Tottenham are still searching for a permanent successor to Jose Mourinho.
PSG have always been adamant that they do not want to let Pochettino go.
The Argentine also played a key role in bringing former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum to PSG.
Pochettino is a very good manager, and Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy reportedly looking to hire him last month shows just how highly he is rated.
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