Julen Lopetegui's departure from Real Madrid was made official on Monday. After weeks of speculation, the Spanish giant officially sacked the former Spain national team boss after only 14 games in charge due to their horrendous start to the campaign.
The 5-1 loss in El Clasico was the final straw, with Santiago Solari taking over in an interim role. Antonio Conte had been tipped as the man destined to succeed Lopetegui, but reports suggest Los Blancos will look elsewhere for their new manager.
It is believed that Real Madrid's dressing room blocked the Italian's arrival. Sergio Ramos publicly expressed his disapproval of the former Chelsea boss shortly after the Camp Nou loss, with Antonio opting against a Bernabeu move.
Now, according to the Sun, Florentino Perez will shift focus to the Premier League for his next appointment. The British tabloid claims that the man on his radar is none other than Mauricio Pochettino.
Rumors linking the Argentine tactician with the Champions League holder aren't new. The former Espanyol man has stressed his commitment to Tottenham on numerous occasions, reaffirming that position even after Monday's 1-0 home loss to Man City, but that will not stop the Spanish Primera Division heavyweight.
Pochettino recently admitted that he is going through the worst season of his north London spell. Real Madrid could offer him an escape route amid delays to Spurs' new stadium and their lack of spending in the transfer market.
Whether Mauricio would be willing to walk away from Tottenham and his squad of promising players in the middle of the seasons is debatable. Additionally, Daniel Levy will likely do everything in his power to keep hold of the South American tactician.
However, Los Merengues representatives met with the Argentine's inner-circle last week in London and returned with positive updates. In the Spanish capital, the 46-year-old will get the financial backing he desires but only time will reveal if he will be willing to leave Harry Kane and Co. this early into the new campaign.
