Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is not in contention to take charge of Real Madrid, it has emerged.

Sources close to the Spurs boss were quick to claim that Pochettino was the leading name to replace Zinedine Zidane, who announced his shock departure earlier this week just days after leading Real to an unprecedented third successive Champions League title.

Howeveer, Spanish sources have insisted that president Florentino Perez was looking elsewhere – with Pochettino staying put at Tottenham having just signed a long-term deal at Spurs.

Former Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger has been strongly linked, along with the likes of Antonio Conte and Maurizio Sarri – although I understand that Juventus chief Max Allegri is very much on their radar.

Real could yet repeat what they did with Zidane and appoint an internal candidate, and they have two strong possibilities in the shape of two former midfielders – Guti and Santiago Solari. Guti is currently in charge of their highest youth side, whilst Solari is manager of their B team – Castilla.