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Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has made fresh comments downplaying speculation linking him with the Real Madrid job. The Argentinian manager is currently in charge of the United States men's national team, but his contract expires after the World Cup this summer.

He's the favourite to take over at Tottenham at the end of the campaign, with the club looking for Thomas Frank's permanent successor.

Igor Tudor's interim tenure has been a disaster at the club and his still searching for his first win in charge, losing all four of his opening games.

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The most recent was a terrible display against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, beaten 5-2 by Diego Simeone's men who were 4-0 up after just 22 minutes.

Pochettino was in attendance to watch the gameat the Riyadh Air Metropolitano and has given an update on being linked with the Real Madrid job, with pressure now starting to build on current boss Alvaro Arbeloa who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Speaking to Chiringuito, Pochettino said: "There are many rumors, almost always negative, so as long as they’re pleasant.

"I always maintain a very good relationship with almost all clubs, not just with Madrid."

They follow on from comments he made last month, where the former Spurs boss admitted that he is open to anythingwhen he leaves the USMNT.

During a radio interview with “Radiogaceta de los Deportes” on RNE in Spain, he said: “I’m always linked (to clubs), to Tottenham, just like at one time I was linked to Espanyol, or to other clubs.

"In the end, especially because of my past at those clubs, when things aren’t going well, people tend to fall back on emotions and say, ‘Well, with Mauricio we played good football,’ or whatever it may be.

"But no. We’re focused on the World Cup, on the United States. My contract runs until after the World Cup, so after that we’ll see what might happen. Open to everything, right?"

Spurs have witnessed a revolving door of managers since Pochettino's exit, with Antonio Conte, Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank all dismissed in the aftermath of his departure. Caretaker manager Tudor is already facing scrutiny with Spurs embroiled in a relegation scrap.

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Pochettino has experienced a turbulent period since leaving Spurs. The US head coach remained at Paris Saint-Germain for just over 18 months, securing Ligue 1 in 2022, and spent 12 months at Chelsea before departing Spurs' London rivals.

His potential availability could yet increase the pressure on Tudor as he seeks his maiden victory. The Croatian acknowledges the Premier League remains his foremost concern, though.

"We need to do our best in terms that we need to grow, as you said also. Because our first aim is the Premier League - this needs to be said publicly, this is a normal thing - this is something extra," he said.

"But that doesn't mean that we don't want to pass and don't want to go to the next round."