Real Madrid news: Mauricio Pochettino wanted to replace Zinedine Zidane

REAL MADRID reportedly want Mauricio Pochettino to succeed Zinedine Zidane as the Real Madrid manager.

Mauricio PochettinoGETTY

Mauricio Pochettino has impressed Real Madrid chiefs

Pochettino has earned high praise since taking the job at Tottenham in 2014.

The Argentine coach has turned Tottenham into serious title contenders and has helped Harry Kane become one of the world's best strikers.

And after leading Spurs to an impressive 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu in the Champions League earlier this week, he has made a lasting impression in the Spanish capital.

Kane has been attracting heavy interest from Madrid in recent weeks but Tottenham could face another battle on their hands with the La Liga giants now reportedly interested in bringing Pochettino to Spain.

The Sun claim Real consider Pochettino as the ideal man to replace Zidane.

And while the Florentino Perez has no plans to sack the club legend, he is said to be fearful that Zidane could soon call it a day.

Zidane has led Real to two consecutive Champions League triumph while also leading the club to their first La Liga title since 2012 in just three years in charge.

Zinedine ZidaneGETTY

Real Madrid are preparing for the scenario should Zinedine Zidane decide to leave

And the report says Pochettino’s recent spat with former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola and the fact he used to manage the Catalan club’s rivals Espanyol makes him a prime candidate.

Pochettino spent four years managing Espanyol where he also had two spells at during his playing career where he won the Copa del Rey twice.

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