FORMER Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly snubbed Monaco as he eyes up a return to the Premier League.
The 48-year-old has been out of a job since being sacked by Spurs in November after spending five years in North London.
Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly rejected the chance to manage MonacoCredit: EPA
But the Argentinian has no shortage of suitors, with Juventus, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund all believed to be targeting Pochettino.
And now The Athletic claim that Monaco have failed to lure him over to the principality to take control of the Ligue 1 side.
They report that the French top-flight club approached Pochettino after sacking Robert Moreno following just seven months in charge.
It has been stated that Monaco’s new sporting director Paul Mitchell – who worked with Pochettino at Southampton and Spurs as their director or recruitment – was keen to be reunited with him for a third time.
But the ex-Espanyol centre-back has rejected the job offer as he continues to weigh up his future.
MAUR WOE
Former Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac has instead been appointed as Monaco’s new boss on a three-year-deal.
Pochettino has made no secret of his desire to return to the Premier League, as he stated he loves living in England.
Speaking in May, he said: “Of course we love England, and the Premier League. We feel very good here. We are still living here in London.
“I am not going to change my feelings now because I am not involved in the Premier League at this moment.
“I still think the Premier League is the best league in the world. We enjoy it a lot.
“Of course, it’s one of the options. Of course, it can be my priority but I am not closed to move to a different country.
“It’s going to be difficult to leave this country – but not impossible.”
A move to Newcastle continues to be speculated, with Pochettino’s close friend Ossie Ardilles claiming the Magpies have made a “good offer” to bring him to St James’ Park.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
