Pochettino quiet on Southampton future

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has refused to commit his future to the club amid suggestions Tottenham are considering him as a possible replacement for Tim Sherwood.

The Argentine coach has guided Saints to an eighth-placed finish in what has been a memorable Premier League season, though their top stars’ impressive displays have attracted numerous admirers.

Captain Adam Lallana is reportedly for a summer switch to Liverpool, while Spurs are thought to be big fans of Pochettino, who has impressed with his management style in his season-and-a-half at St Mary’s.

And the 42-year-old, who has one year remaining on his current contract, said he will first talk with the new board about the club’s direction before committing to a new deal.

"I have the same goals, the same wishes," Pochettino said.

"Of course I want to be successful, to be ambitious and always to improve as a manager.

"This Sunday when the game finishes with Manchester United a project of five years that has been happening will come to an end.

"It's up the board to discuss with me the new project that will be in place starting next season.

"It's not really up to me to decide when those talks happen but the club overall has to explain to me what this new project consists of and how it's going to start next season."

Asked specifically about reports Tottenham are keen to appoint him as boss, Pochettino added: "Many things are bandied around and spoken and there are a lot of rumours thrown around."

In the meantime, Pochettino told supporters fearing their manager could depart and their team could be sold off in the close season to live in the moment.

He added: "I don't think you can live in the fear of the future.

"What's important right now is to enjoy this moment, the present, to relish this magnificent season that we've had.

"I think Sunday is a very good chance to create an amazing atmosphere, to enjoy the game and the end of this amazing season.

"In the future things will be spoken about.

"We always say goodbye because we finish a chapter and we start a new chapter."