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Mauricio Pochettino has become a top target for Real Madrid as well as Tottenham Hotspur, as doubts continue to linger about his PSG future.

Pochettino returned to management in January 2021, when PSG appointed him as their replacement for Thomas Tuchel. It is Pochettino’s first job since Tottenham sacked him in November 2019. However, it might not last long. And if he does end his association with the French club, he will have many suitors.

PSG failed to retain their Ligue 1 title in 2020-21, which was an underachievement for their expectations. Pochettino is still under contract for another season but there are already doubts about his future.

Amid that uncertainty, it has been widely reported that Tottenham have been in touch over a sensational return for the Argentine coach. Spurs are looking for a permanent successor to Jose Mourinho, who replaced Pochettino but failed to make much of an improvement.

It seems Spurs have some regrets about that decision and could seek to rectify it by re-appointing their former boss. But it won’t be straightforward.

PSG are keen to keep Pochettino despite his failure to win the league title. He did manage to win the Coupe De France and Trophee Des Champions after taking over, so they are willing to give him more time.

But the 49-year-old is already growing unsettled in the French capital and could seek a way out. A return to Tottenham would be the emotional option, but Goal are reporting that Real Madrid have made him their top target.

Zinedine Zidane has confirmed his departure from the Spanish giants after they missed out on the La Liga title. Madrid will be keen to make a high-profile appointment to replace him.

Massimiliano Allegri was a target for the role, for example. But it seems he is on the verge of returning to Juventus, who will dismiss Andrea Pirlo.

Therefore, Madrid have turned their attention to Pochettino, who hasn’t managed in Spain since leaving Espanyol in 2012.

The ex-Southampton boss has previously hinted he would be interested in joining Real. Now could be the perfect timing if he can find a way out of Paris.

A compensation fee could buy him out of his contract, although PSG are still in control of the situation.

Conte linked with Tottenham job

Another big name to be linked with the vacancy at Tottenham is Antonio Conte, who has just left Inter Milan.

The former Juventus, Chelsea and Italy boss ended Inter’s 10-year trophy drought by clinching the Scudetto ahead of AC Milan. However, he left soon after amid a reported disagreement with the club’s ownership over finances.

The club needs to reduce costs and sell some big-name players this summer, while Conte himself had too high a salary.

Multiple reports claim he has already held positive talks with Spurs. And one of these sources, La Stampa, claims Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has already offered Conte a huge package worth between €15m and €20m a year.

According to the Daily Express, Conte could well ask Levy to fund transfer raids for three Inter stars.

READ MORE: Conte to ask Levy to fund Tottenham deals for three major Inter stars

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