Rumour: Tottenham Hotspur eye Southampton boss for White Hart Lane helm

Mauricio Pochettino

Southampton are preparing a fight to keep their talented manager Mauricio Pochettino in charge, following rumours that Tottenham are considering the future of Tim Sherwood.

Sherwood has been under pressure in recent weeks and it is showing as he has begun to crack in interviews and on the sidelines. Spurs have lost three games consecutively as Sherwood’s promising start has come crashing down as their hopes of a top four finish look a long way away.

The former England midfielder replaced Andre Villas-Boas on a temporary basis in December 2013 and persuaded the chairman, Daniel Levy, to give him a chance and was handed an 18-month contract.

It has not fared well, though, as Tottenham’s spending spree last summer looks to be a waste as they have fallen behind the top sides once again.

Rumours are now circulating that Sherwood’s job is in jeopardy with Southampton’s highly-rated Pochettino being lined up as his replacement.

Pochettino replaced Nigel Adkins at St. Mary’s and duly improved the potential-filled Saints side. They started the season extremely well, beating Liverpool at Anfield and also grabbed a point at Old Trafford. However, their early-season form was not sustained and their very slim top four hopes were quickly forgotten.

They are still in the top half though and a good finish to the season could see them finish inside the top seven which would be a massive achievement for the club.

Pochettino has won just 38% of his matches at Southampton.