Pochettino informs PSG of his desire to leave amid Real Madrid and Spurs interest

Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly informed Paris Saint-Germain of his desire to leave the club this summer, with Tottenham and Real Madrid battling it out to secure his services.

The Argentine still has a year remaining on his contract with the Ligue 1 giants but wants to walk away from the club just four months after taking over amid interest from Madrid and Tottenham. 

PSG's sporting director Leonardo is yet to make a decision on Pochettino's future but has been made aware of his intentions to quit, according to Goal.

PSG had planned to keep working with the Argentine, despite his team's failure to defend their Ligue 1 crown this season. However, Pochettino has now asked to terminate his contract - which was due to run until the summer of 2022. 

Despite stating his desire to leave, Pochettino will reportedly respect whatever decision the club make regarding his future and will finish out his contract if asked to do so.  

Should Pochettino be granted the opportunity to leave this summer, he could make a sensational return to Tottenham or finally be given the ropes at Real Madrid, who have had him on their radar for some time.

Pochettino has been named as the favourite to replace Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid after they missed out on Max Allegri though reports claim he is set for talks with Tottenham on Monday.

Madrid are searching for a new boss after Zidane stood down at the end of last season and also have Antonio Conte on their shortlist after No 1 target Allegri replaced the sacked Andrea Pirlo at Juventus - though Pochettino is understood to be their preferred choice if they can get him.

Pochettino, who guided PSG to victory in the Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions last season, is has also been earmarked as Tottenham's No 1 choice. 

Spurs are currently in crisis after their worst season in 12 years which has left them without a manager and stat striker Harry Kane wanting out.

Reports earlier this week claimed Pochettino is set to open negotiations with Tottenham on Monday, with their former boss also planning to ask Kane if he would stay for one more year if he took back his old job. 

Pochettino had a largely successful five-year spell in north London between 2014 and 2019 despite not winning any trophies and was sacked last November with the side stranded in 14th position in the Premier League. 

However, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy now wants to re-hire the popular Argentine after admitting he had made 'some mistakes' over recent decisions at the club.

Nevertheless, Pochettino's future rests in the hands of PSG's sporting director Leonardo and could be decided in the coming days.