According to Evening Standard, Mauricio Pochettino is on the cusp of returning to club management with Paris Saint-Germain, who parted ways with Thomas Tuchel on Tuesday.
Tuchel spent two and a half years with Les Parisiens and the club’s run to the Champions League final last season was definitely the highest point of the German’s managerial reign.
Despite this, he was axed from the helm earlier this week with suggestions that he had a mixed relationship with sporting director Leonardo after a fall-out over transfer targets in the summer.
Les Parisiens have not played at their vintage best this term and they are currently placed third in the French top-flight, one point behind Lyon and Lille, who are the league leaders on goal difference.
Their next match will come up against Saint-Etienne on January 6, but prior to that, Pochettino has been fancied to take charge as the head coach. The Argentine is set to return to the dug-out after a 13-month absence.
With the transfer window open in January, it won’t be a surprise if Les Parisiens’ hierarchy back Pochettino with funds to strengthen the squad and it is reported that he could attempt to sign Tottenham Hotspur’s Dele Alli.
Alli transformed into one of England’s best attackers during his time under Pochettino, but he has fallen down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho, who took charge in November 2019 after the Argentine’s sacking.
The England international stood out with some glowing displays during the first few months under Mourinho, but he has since gone out-of-favour and has played just 74 minutes of league football this term.
Hence, he has been fancied to pursue a fresh challenge at the turn of the year and Les Parisiens are likely to be in the running to sign him with Pochettino at the helm.
Alli’s valuation has definitely taken a huge dip, but it is claimed that Spurs may still be reluctant to sanction his winter exit with Giovani Lo Celso, Gareth Bale, Carlos Vinicius and Lucas Moura all on the sidelines with injuries at the moment.
While he is deemed surplus to requirements by Mourinho, the club’s hierarchy seem keen on keeping hold of him beyond January. They are hopeful of the midfielder reviving his old form and believe they can’t find a replacement of his quality midway through the season.
The coming days should give a clear indication whether Les Parisiens will make an approach for the former MK Dons graduate. Alli has been out of the national team picture for the past 18 months and he requires game time and several standout displays to have any chance of a recall before Euro 2020.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com